According to new government data, the first year of Wales’ default 20mph speed limit has significantly reduced road casualties.

There were around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on 20mph and 30mph roads.

The news comes after the publication of official casualty figures for Wales.

Slow success

The Welsh Government published figures today showing that in the 12 months following the introduction of the 20mph default speed limit on 17 September 2023, casualties on these roads fell by 28% compared to the previous year.

Between July and September 2024, the number of casualties was the lowest for a third quarter in Wales since records began—35% lower than in the same period of 2023.

The introduction of the new default speed limit was viewed as highly controversial at the time, with Conservative opposition representatives and significant public protests.

Driving forward

Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, described the data as “encouraging,” highlighting that collisions are at their lowest recorded levels for this period.

“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,” he said.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to refining the policy where necessary.

“We continue to build on the consensus that where 20mph is the right speed, it works well. We have listened to people and empowered local authorities to make changes where it is safe to do so.”

Safety success

The figures provide the first full-year assessment of the policy’s impact, suggesting that lower speed limits are contributing to improved road safety.

Further monitoring will continue to evaluate its long-term effectiveness.

This latest news comes alongside reduced insurance premiums in areas with 20 mph zones.

Insurers have seen a drop in claims in those areas and, according to Confused.com, have adjusted the cost of motor insurance premiums accordingly.

With enforcement of the 20 mph limits across the country still patchy, the latest news and statistics will only back up calls for better local education and official enforcement.