Bumpy road ahead as speed limit law creates crossroads

Speed limits are essential because they guide us through the variety of roads that crisscross the country. Imagine the chaos if there weren’t any?

But the smallest one of all is creating the biggest amount of controversy.

In September last year, Wales changed many of its 30mph zones to 20mph in a bid to reduce collisions by 40%, save six to 10 lives, and avoid 1,200-2,000 people being injured every year. Also to encourage walking, cycling, and to improve health.

The project cost around £32 million, but now, just months later, many of the roads are set to revert to the higher figure thanks to around half a million people signing a petition entitled: “We want the Welsh Government to rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law.”

Scotland plans to have 20mph areas for all appropriate roads by the end of next year, and I’m sure Scottish eyes are scrutinising Wales to avoid a similar story here.

It seems there are three main reasons for people to go against Wales’ new limit – confusion as to whether they were driving in a 30mph or a 20mph zone; there was more road rage, and there’s an assumption that pollution was increasing because people drove in a higher gear for longer, for example in third gear as opposed to fourth.

There are always two sides to a story and, indeed, a second petition was formed called: “We want the Welsh Government to keep the excellent 20mph law.” You have to admire the clarity of both petitions’ names!

The message from this side of the debate included people feeling safer when cycling or walking around a 20mph zone; there was less pollution, because vehicles are slower; plus the addition of one or two minutes to a car journey is worth saving lives for.

Around 5,000 people signed it, and the lower figure might be due to the fact that people are more likely to actively participate when they’re cross, rather than contented?

I’ve just spent the last week travelling into Scotland’s future, driving hundreds of miles around Wales.

And, despite holding a speed-essential racing licence for most of my life, I think the 20mph zones are great.

I love the discipline you need when the limits changes, the extra time to look for potential hazards, and the added patience to notice that villages did appear to be more serene as a consequence.

The Highway Code says that, in that distance, a 20mph car can stop, a 30mph car will still be doing 24mph.

And as we all become pedestrians as soon as we step out of our cars, it seems foolish that 20mph zones in all residential areas aren’t already lawful.

■ YouTube: The CAR Girl Vicki Butler-Henderson

■ Twitter: @vb_h

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WHO IS IN THE DRIVING SEAT?: Scotland will be scrutinising events in Wales to avoid a similar story as it looks to introduce 20mph limits for all appropriate roads next year.