Wales has become the first country in the UK to introduce a standard speed limit of 20mph on residential roads.
The plan, which begins on Sunday, will reduce the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h on most roads, although local authorities have the power to change the limit as they see fit.
Here’s a map of all 20 miles of roads in Wales and explains why this change was made.
Where are the 20mph roads in Wales?
The interactive map below shows the location of all confirmed 20 mile roads in Wales. For more detailed information, you can zoom in and click on each individual location.
Most roads in Wales that were previously 30mph will now reach 20mph under the new laws.
Councils can change the default speed limit on any local road, but Lee Waters, undersecretary for climate change, said some local authorities were strictly adhering to Welsh Government guidance.
“Local government risk appetite varies significantly,” he says.
“For example, Vale of Glamorgan and Rhonda Cynon Taff have made some exceptions and exempted streets from regulation.
“Other councils have not done this and are very afraid to deviate from the letter of the guidance.
“But I think confidence will grow and experience will influence that and I think I’ll wait a year or two and then things will calm down.”
Why did they reduce the speed?
The Welsh Government said lowering the limit would protect lives and save the Welsh National Health Service £92 million a year. Previous research shows that 30 mph zones can reduce serious or fatal collisions by more than 40 percent compared to 30 mph limits.
Anyone caught speeding more than 30 km/h but less than 30 km/h should first seek police advice rather than pay a fine.
“The original intention is to inform and appeal to people rather than issue fines, but above 50km/h we will be issuing fines and points,” Mr Waters said.
He said he expected drivers would need about a month to get used to the changes, but said tests with a 30 km/h limit showed a typical delay of one to two minutes on average per trip.
“Most delays are not due to speed, but due to delays at intersections and traffic lights,” he said.
“We were all overtaken by an idiot, but they found a spot in front of us at the traffic lights.”
“A business model that assumes someone is driving dangerously is not a good business model.”
The project will cost around £33 million and has sparked controversy, with reports emerging that the new 20mph signs have been defaced.
The Welsh Conservatives opposed the plan and tabled a motion in the Senedd to stop its implementation, but were defeated.
Andrew R.T. Davies, the Conservative leader in the Senedd, said: “While I agree that 20mph outside pedestrian areas such as schools, hospitals and care homes makes sense, the Labor government’s blanket introduction of a 20mph speed limit makes sense.” throughout Wales. That’s just funny. “
Natasha Asghar, shadow transport minister for the Welsh Conservatives, added: “Labour and Plaid Cymru refused to listen to public opinion and continued to push through their anti-worker, anti-road and anti-driver agenda.”
Charities and activists signed a joint letter organized by the 1920s Much for Us campaign in support of the rollout.
“This is not just a benefit for road safety. It also supports wider health, climate and social goals, such as: “For example, helping vulnerable people move, improving social connections, reducing air and noise pollution and much more,” they said.
Source: I News
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