New preliminary 20mph data published today shows that speeds have
reduced by an average of 4mph on main roads since the national
rollout of the default 20mph speed limit.
The data, which was collected by Transport for Wales, monitored
millions of vehicles’ speeds in nine different communities across
Wales before and after implementation.
Data gathered shows the average speeds on main roads dropped an
average of 4mph - from 28.9mph to 24.8mph – providing clear
evidence that speeds are moving in the right direction.
Research shows a strong link between lowering speeds and
decreasing the number of collisions and people injured. On urban
roads with low average speeds, there is average 6% reduction in
collisions per 1mph reduction in average speed.
This downward trend in speeds is also supported by the phase one
data in the final monitoring report from the first phase
implementation areas which has also been published today.
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with responsibility for
transport, said:
“The latest data published today is clear evidence that average
speeds are coming down on roads across Wales.
“We also know from data published by Go Safe earlier this
month that 97% of drivers are complying with the new slower speed
limit - behaviours and attitudes towards 20mph are beginning to
change.
“We’ve still got a way to go, but it’s encouraging to see that
things are moving in the right direction. Every 1mph reduction in
speed makes a real difference – so this is a real turning point.
“The international evidence is clear, lower speeds saves lives –
that’s fewer collisions, fewer deaths and fewer severe injuries,
reducing the devastation to individuals and their families and
the significant impact on the NHS and other emergency services.”
Commenting on the latest statistics, the Chief Executive of the
road safety charity, Brake, Ross Moorlock added:
"It’s encouraging to see how the new 20mph speed limit has
reduced the overall speeds of these roads.
“Every day, five people die on UK roads and speed is a factor in
every crash. The faster we drive, the greater our risk of
crashing, and the harder we hit if we do crash.
“We know that road crashes have a devastating impact on families
and communities. Sadly, we see this first-hand every day through
the work of our National Road Victim Service, which last year
supported more than 1,500 families who have been bereaved by a
road crash or suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries.
“We hope that governments and local authorities across the UK
will take Wales’ lead and adopt 20mph as the default speed on
roads where people and vehicles mix."
Alongside publication of the national data, today the initial
report by the independent Review Team, which is looking into the
setting of exceptions to the default 20mph limit, has been
published. The report sets out a series of early findings and
initial recommendations.
Speaking about the work of the independent review team, WLGA
Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan said:
“Council leaders welcome the review of the implementation and the
current guidance to help them make the right choices for their
communities. Councils want to engage with the review to ensure we
have the right speeds on the right streets.
“Whilst there appears to be some roads where the speed limit
isn’t right and there is a need for local authority review, we
have heard from some councils that positive
differences have been seen in the speed and safety of their
streets, particularly amongst vulnerable people.”
