Speed limits could soon be slashed to 20mph in all residential areas in Wales

SPEED limits could soon be reduced to 20mph in all Welsh residential areas.

The First Minister of Wales, Labour’s Mark Drakeford, announced yesterday the lower speed would become the default limit in built-up areas.

The majority of the England already uses 20mph speed restrictions instead of 30mph in built-up areas, with more than 50 council regions adopting the reduced limit.

But Cardiff is the only Welsh council to introduce the measure.

During Tuesday’s First Minister’s Questions, Mark Drakeford said: “The Welsh Government believe that 20mph should be the default speed limit for residential areas.

“The city of Cardiff is, I think, a good example of what can be done.

“Local authorities have to have discretion to retain 30mph zones on key arterial routes, but outside that, and in residential areas, we know that 20mph zones reduce speed of traffic, reduce accidents – particularly accidents to children, and we want to see that become the default position right across Wales.”

John Griffiths, Labour AM, said: “Older people will feel happier if they’re able to walk along the streets with 20mph limits in place and parents will feel much happier in enabling their young people to play outside.

“It will enable active travel – walking and cycling – to a greater extent, so it has many benefits, and I’m pleased that they’re now strongly recognised by Welsh Government.”

Scottish Greens MP Mark Ruskell also called for Scotland to adopt a similar approach to 20mph speed limits.

Last year Mr Ruskell met with senior Welsh Assembly members to discuss the benefits of a reduced default speed limit.

The Scottish Government has so far refused to back the move, but it has received support from organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and several Scottish Councils.

Mr Ruskell said: “I am delighted that the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has announced that 20mph will be the default speed limit in all towns and villages across Wales.

“This is a relatively simple, cost-effective measure that will make Welsh streets cleaner, healthier, and safer for generations to come.

“I am disappointed that so far the Scottish Government has failed to listen to the numerous public health bodies, councils, road safety groups and walking and cycling organisations who back my bill.

“Wales is taking a bold step to create the safest communities for children to grow up in, it’s time the Scottish Government caught up.”