In September 2023, Wales made headlines by becoming the first UK nation to introduce a default 20mph speed limit on most roads previously set at 30mph. The aim? Safer streets, fewer accidents, and a nudge towards walking, cycling, and cleaner air. But while the ambition was clear, the reception was anything but unanimous.
While some residents welcomed the move, others saw it as heavy-handed. A petition calling for the repeal of the default limit attracted over 460,000 signatures, the largest ever submitted to the Senedd (the Welsh Parliament). Critics argued that it slowed traffic unnecessarily, increased journey times, and made enforcement more complicated. However, recent data suggests the change is having a positive impact.
What Is the 20mph Limit and Why Was It Introduced?
The 20mph limit introduced in Wales in September 2023 replaced the default 30mph speed limit on most roads in built-up areas.
These are typically “restricted roads”, the kind with street lighting spaced no more than 200 yards apart, commonly found in residential neighbourhoods, town centres, and areas near schools.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a blanket limit for every road. Local councils were given the power to make exceptions where a 30mph limit is still considered appropriate, using Traffic Regulation Orders.
So while the default has changed, it’s still possible to find 30mph roads in some areas, especially where traffic flow or other considerations make a higher limit more practical.
What the Numbers Say
According to Welsh Government figures, there were around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on roads with 20mph and 30mph limits during the first year of implementation.
That equates to a 28% reduction in casualties. The figures recorded between July and September 2024 were the lowest third-quarter road casualty statistics in Wales since records began.
Beyond the immediate safety benefits, the new speed limit has also had economic implications. A joint study by the Transport Research Institute and Public Health Wales estimated that the policy could save around £100 million in its first year, largely through reduced deaths and injuries.
The estimate is based on the economic cost of road traffic collisions. Every accident has a measurable financial impact, not just for individuals but for the public sector as well.
These costs include emergency services (ambulance, police, fire), NHS treatment and rehabilitation, long-term social care, loss of earnings and productivity, legal and insurance costs, vehicle damage, and traffic disruption.
Insurance data also point to a 20% drop in vehicle damage claims since the new limit came into effect, according to the insurer Esure Group.
Two-Wheeled Travel in a 20mph World
Although much of the debate around the 20mph limit has focused on drivers, it’s had a noticeable impact on other road users too.
Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to be killed in a collision than car ocupants, per mile travelled. The introduction of lower speed limits aims to reduce overall collision severity, potentially benefiting motorcyclists by creating safer road environments.
Cyclists
Lower vehicle speeds create a calmer, more predictable road environment, making it safer and more appealing for people to travel by bike. The Welsh Government has also highlighted that slower traffic helps encourage more walking and cycling, contributing to healthier and more active communities.
E-Scooter Users
Data specific to e-scooter incidents in Wales post-20mph implementation is not readily available. However, UK-wide figures from 2021 reported 1,352 e-scooter crashes, resulting in 1,434 casualties, including 10 fatalities and 421 serious injuries. The alignment of e-scooter speeds (typically capped at 15.5mph) with the new 20mph limit may enhance safety for these users by reducing speed differentials with other vehicles.
Brake’s Perspective on the 20mph Speed Limit
Brake, the UK road safety charity, has long championed the introduction of 20mph speed limits in built-up areas.
Luca Straker, Brake’s Campaigns Manager, explains: “Brake’s vision is a world where no one is killed or hurt on a road. Lower speed limits, particularly in places where people walk, cycle, and play, make roads safer for everyone, and enable us all to move in safe and healthy ways, whoever we are and however we travel.”
As part of its campaign for safer streets, the organisation is encouraging the UK Government to adopt a national 20mph urban speed limit policy—following Wales’ example—and to make it a central feature of the upcoming Road Safety Strategy.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the 20mph speed limit in Wales marks a cultural shift in how we think about traffic safety. But change takes time, and no policy can eliminate risk entirely. If you’ve been injured in a road incident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to navigate it alone.
Motorbike Claims is proud to be an official Brake Supporter, standing alongside the UK’s leading road safety charity in working towards safer streets for all. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting victims of traffic incidents and promoting meaningful change, not just through legal guidance, but by actively backing wider safety initiatives.
Need support after a road traffic accident in North Wales? Talk to someone who understands. Our claims solicitors in North Wales are here to offer honest, uncomplicated advice, and to help you take the next step with confidence.