New law could see more 20mph limits in Wales
THE Welsh Government has revealed key details of its plan to change most 30mph speed limits to 20mph across Wales.
Insights include timescales, costs, savings and the level of enforcement that drivers can expect if the changes come into force.
The government has also shared its learnings from the 20mph pilot schemes recently introduced in eight areas of Wales.
If approved by the Senedd following a debate on July 12, the new law would see 20mph set as the national default speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets.
The plans would affect 30mph roads with streetlights fewer than 200 yards apart, though there would be some exceptions.
The changes, aimed at preventing accidents and improving air quality, would come in on September 17 next year.
Over the next 30 years the estimated costs total £33 million but the government expects there to be savings of £58 million from lower use of emergency services and hospital treatment – a net saving of £25 million.
The government wants to encourage changes in behaviour before moving to speeding tickets. It says it is in agreement with police forces and the GoSafe speed camera service that there should be a period of education before drivers are penalised for going over the limit. Some drivers who are pulled over would be given the chance to sit with a police officer or firefighter and receive 15 minutes of roadside education, instead of getting a ticket.
There is no timescale for enforcement to begin but it is unlikely that a high number of speed cameras will be introduced – the government is not increasing its annual £2.5 million funding to GoSafe.
Roadside education has played a big part in the South Wales pilot areas and we understand it will soon be implemented in the North Wales zones. To a large extent, the onus to change will be on drivers.
Will more buses and drivers be needed to maintain the current frequency of services?
The government says it is still working through this issue but its modelling shows there would be some slowdown – largely at offpeak times. We understand the trials will be allowed to progress further before any decisions are made.
What about exemptions? These are unlikely to be based on driver frustrations, but instead on factors like whether a road has more than 20 properties per kilometre. Exceptions would not typically be allowed for roads near schools, community centres and hospitals.
Ultimately, though, these are not cast-iron rules from the Welsh Government – they are guidance for a local authority to decide on. The decision will only lie with the government when it comes to trunk roads.
And what have been the learnings from the pilots so far?
The government believes they have shown the importance of engaging with communities about the new rules, giving roadside education and drawing on local expertise when it comes to exemptions.
From just over 6,000 responses in last year’s consultation over the scheme, 53% of people said they were against the lower default limit, while 47% were in favour.