The Senedd has approved legislation to reduce the default speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets from 30mph (48.2km/h) to 20mph (32.1km/h) across Wales.
Wales has become the first UK country to make this decision, which is being piloted in eight Welsh communities and are expected to be rolled out nationwide in September 2023.
Having a default limit of 20mph does not signal a universal speed limit for all Welsh roads. Instead, it offers local authorities the chance to engage with their communities to decide which roads should stay at 30mph.
Cycling UK’s engagement officer in Wales, Gwenda Owen, said: “This is a huge leap forward for Wales – the lower speed limit will help create more liveable neighbourhoods and town centres, building community cohesion by encouraging more cycling and walking.
“Studies also show this can benefit local businesses, as people feel safer and more confident exploring their local area on foot or two wheels.”
Currently, 2.5% of Welsh roads have a 20mph speed limit, though this rule change is expected to push this number to 35%.
The Welsh government said it sees this as a move to create safer roads for communities across Wales.
