A 20mph speed limit across Wales could save £100m in the first year due to a reduction in deaths and injuries, new research has found.
The research, conducted by the Transport Research Institute (TRI) at Edinburgh Napier University in conjunction with Public Health Wales, shows a new default 20mph speed limit on residential roads would save more than 100 lives and prevent 14,000 casualties over a decade.
The Welsh Government is introducing a 20mph default speed limit on restricted roads across Wales in September 2023, with local authorities permitted to exempt specific roads.
Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters said: 'This new research shows the savings in terms of reductions in people being hurt or killed but the benefits of 20mph stretch much further than casualty savings alone. The report suggests the lower speed limit will help encourage physical activity and in turn reduce obesity, stress and anxiety.
'As with any change we know it will take time for people to adapt. But I’m pleased to see the early indications show a majority of people are in favour of 20mph, and I am confident that if we all work together, we can make the necessary changes that will benefit us now and in the future.'
In a separate survey, two-thirds of respondents said they would support a 20mph speed limit where they lived.
This article first appered on localgov.co.uk.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
