The move, a first in the UK, will save more than 100 lives over a decade, research claims, although a second study found many people are worried the limit will be too difficult to enforce and don’t think drivers will follow it. be respected. The Labour-led government is introducing the proposed 20mph speed limit for many roads in residential and residential areas across Wales in September 2023. No blanket speed limit will apply to all roads, but the legislation will set the default limit at 20mph, leaving local authorities to work with communities to decide which roads will remain at 30mph. Some opposition politicians and motorists opposed the policy, arguing it would lead to more congestion, confusion and that it would be unenforceable. The new research, by the Transport Research Institute (TRI) at Edinburgh Napier University in conjunction with Public Health Wales, says the direct cost of introducing the ban has been estimated at £32m. But he says the savings in the first year alone are more than three times that because far less money will be spent dealing with the aftermath of accidents. The report adds: “Evidence shows that the health benefits of 20mph are far, far greater than the savings in accidents alone. They include increased physical activity, and therefore less obesity, less stress and anxiety, and other health benefits such as reduced noise and air pollution. “We know from previous studies that 20mph encourages more walking and cycling and thereby improves cardiorespiratory health, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, thereby improving mental health. With more walking and cycling comes less car use, improving air quality and therefore improving health.” The Welsh Government also published an independent survey of public attitudes, carried out by Beaufort Research, showing that most respondents supported a 20mph speed limit where they lived. One in three said 20mph speed limits would also make them more likely to walk more, while around one in five said they would be more likely to cycle more. Support is strongest among parents, women and the middle-aged, while among men, younger and over-65s are least likely to support 20mph speed limits. The survey shows there is great skepticism about whether driver behavior will change: two in three Welsh adults believed most drivers would not stick to the 20mph limit. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear – lowering 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 improve our health and wellbeing and help improve the environment. As with any change, we know it will take time for people to adjust.” More than 45,000 people have signed a petition against the move and the Welsh Conservatives have branded it unworkable. Natasha Asghar, the Conservative shadow transport secretary for Wales, said: “Labour ministers must stop imposing dogmatic and restrictive measures on road users in Wales and focus on ensuring Wales has a public transport system fit for in the 21st century”.
