Research suggests that a new speed limit of 20mph (32km/h) for restricted Welsh roads offers potential savings of £100m in its first year, due to reduced deaths and injuries.
The Welsh government has announced new survey results, which it claims reflect the public’s support for the initiative.
By definition, restricted roads include those with street-lights and are usually located in residential and built-up areas with high levels of pedestrian activity.
The research was conducted by the Transport Research Institute (TRI) at Edinburgh Napier University, in conjunction with Public Health Wales.
What’s more, the report reveals that the new 20mph speed limit could save more than 100 lives over the next ten years and prevent 14,000 casualties.
Public response to the initiative has been positive, with almost two thirds of people expressing support and 62% saying they wanted slower drivers on roads, according to a survey from Beaufort Research on behalf of the government.
When prompted, 64% of people reportedly said that 20mph speed limits made roads “safer for pedestrians”, with 57% suggesting that a 20mph limit would lead to “fewer serious collisions on the roads”.
Moreover, almost half of those surveyed (47%) thought the scheme would lead to safer conditions for cyclists.
Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change, said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.
“Slower speeds also create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, which will help to improve our health and wellbeing and help to improve the environment.
“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.”
The government plans to introduce the limit across Wales in September 2023.
