Welsh roads have recorded their lowest number of collisions since it began enforcing slower 20mph speed limits almost two years ago.
The figures released by Transport Wales mark the first full year of data since the country introduced its default 20mph speed limit in September 2023.
The latest collision statistics, covering the third quarter of 2024, show unprecedented safety improvements across Welsh roads, including levels lower than those seen during the pandemic.
The data demonstrates a significant improvement in road safety following the implementation of the nationwide 20mph speed limit policy.
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Wales saw 100 fewer collisions and fatalities on roads due to 20mph limits
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The data reveals approximately 100 fewer people were killed or seriously injured on roads with 20mph and 30mph speed limits in the 12 months following the introduction of the default 20mph limit.
This reduction compares directly to casualty figures from the same period a year before the policy was implemented.
Between July and September last year, the lower speed limits led to particularly promising results, with casualties on roads with 20mph and 30mph limits reaching their lowest Q3 figures since Welsh records began.
Further analysis of the data shows a dramatic 28 per cent reduction in casualties on roads with 20mph and 30mph speed limits during the first year of implementation.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates welcomed the findings, saying: “The picture continues to be encouraging with the number of collisions on our roads at their lowest level for this quarter.
“We know there is a way to go and we’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy but to see the figures for this quarter at their lowest level is positive.”
Skates emphasised the Government’s commitment to working with local communities on implementing the speed limits effectively.
He said: “We continue to build on the consensus that where 20mph is the right speed it works well. We have listened to people on the policy and we have empowered local authorities to make changes where it is safe to do so.”
This approach allows local councils to adjust speed limits based on specific community needs while maintaining the overall safety benefits of the policy.
But the 20mph rollout was heavily criticised by drivers in Wales with it causing huge upset and the largest ever petition calling for its immediate removal.
Criticising the speed limits, one social media commenter said: “If people in England think 20mph is a good idea, try driving in Wales for any length of time.
“Last Thursday I was driving on a road I didn’t know, that in a mile or two went from 40 to 30, then 20, back to 30, back to 20, and just up the road goes up to 40!
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Wales rolled out its policy of mandatory 20mph speed limits in September 2023
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“At the same time as looking at the various speed signs, I was watching my speed readout and sat nav for a turning, whilst having a police car right on my tail who obviously intended driving at more than 20! Absolute nightmare, and I’ve been driving for 45 years.”
