Speed limits dropping to 20mph despite Rishi Sunak's pledge to end 'anti-motorist' schemes
Wales are set to introduce the new speed limits next month.
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Wales is set to be one of the first countries in the world to introduce a default 20mph speed limit on roads across the country on September 17.
The changes are set to apply to restricted roads which are located in residential areas which often have streetlights placed no more than 200 yards apart.
The Welsh Government announced the change in March in a bid to protect pedestrians and cyclists, as well as reduce the number of collisions.
As part of the impact assessment, it is predicted that the lower speed limits would save around £92million in the first year alone.
Not all residential roads will move to the 20mph speed limits.
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Public Health Wales also touted the health benefits the change could bring, including lowering collisions by 40 per cent, saving between six and 10 lives every year, and avoiding 2,000 injuries.
With the rollout of the 20mph speed limits, as many as 35 per cent of Welsh roads could attract lower limits, up from 2.5 per cent in 2022.
Speaking at the time, Julie James, Minister for Climate Change, said the decision received cross-party support, saying the “evidence is clear”.
She added: “We know this move won’t be easy – it’s as much about changing hearts and minds as it is about enforcement – but over time 20mph will become the norm, just like the restrictions we’ve introduced before on carrier bag charges and organ donation.”
However, not all eligible roads will switch to 20mph roads, with the Government stating that these exceptions will retain the 30mph speed limit.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The new legislation will not apply a blanket speed limit on all roads, it will simply make the default limit 20mph.
“Ultimately, it will be down to Local Authorities to decide which roads should retain the 30mph limit in consultation with their residents. Together, we are drawing lessons from first phase settlements.”
The Government has also highlighted the benefits individual motorists could have, including using less fuel when driving at a consistent speed and prolonging the life of the engine and gearbox.
This comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was on the side of drivers and branded the Labour Party as “anti-motorist”.
Mr Sunak added that he wanted to review other “anti-driver” schemes like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, saying that they were leading to congestion issues in surrounding areas.
There have now been calls from ministers to consider restrictions on the ability of councils to impose 20mph speed limits to help cut emissions and make roads safer.
The Government may also be looking into restricting the other measures including installing bus gates, the Guardian reported.
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was on the side of drivers.
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While the review into Low Traffic Neighbourhoods has been ordered, No 10 said the Prime Minister had no plans to act on 20mph speed limits.
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