The Welsh Government’s decision to reduce the speed limit in built-up areas to 20mph will deliver many benefits and the rest of the UK should consider adopting it. 

Recent research by the ‘20s Plenty’ campaign shows that a 20mph limit can reduce CO2 levels and NOx by more than 25%, compared to 30mph

The call comes from RED Driver Risk Management, which said the approach taken was sensible, proportionate and nuanced. 

Under the plans, revealed last week, new slower speed limits are currently being trialled in eight communities across Wales and will be rolled out nationally in September 2023. These will ensure limits for areas of most risk drop by default to 20mph while some built-up areas can remain at 30mph if proven to be safer. 

Seb Goldin, CEO of RED DRM, urged the rest of the UK to adopt a similar approach – especially as the increase in near-silent electric vehicles could cause more danger to pedestrians and cyclists unaware of their presence in urban environments. 

“While there are already 20mph limits around the UK, the Welsh Government is going further, and 20mph limits in urban areas can have a positive effect in reducing accidents, while businesses operating in these built-up environments should see this as positive step in road safety. Not least, this will help as firms increase the number of EVs on their fleets,” he explained. 

And while this decision will undoubtedly receive mixed reviews, Goldin stated that the benefits around road safety cannot be ignored.  

“The World Health Organisation states that the most effective way to improve pedestrian safety is to reduce the speed of vehicles. In addition, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) states that 45% of pedestrians get killed when struck by a car going at 30mph or less, but only 5% when going at 20mph or less. 

“Critics say it will slow journey times, but our driver training regularly shows there are many techniques that allow you to drive more slowly, yet get to places quicker.” 

While RED DRM will explore any conclusions drawn from studies as part of the first phase of the scheme, the company also supports the idea that a ‘blanket’ approach to the introduction of 20mph into built-up areas is not the way to go.  

“There will be many roads around the country where 30mph will remain an appropriate speed. It can be counter-productive to force drivers to drive more slowly when it is not necessary. They become frustrated and this can lead to mistakes. Therefore, providing local authorities with the power to manage road safety in their local communities seems logical, as long as they introduce limits in the right way,” Goldin continued.  

“As the saying goes ‘knowledge is power’ too, and driver education must be at the forefront of the roll-out programme.” 

The move could also bring air quality benefits. Recent research by the ‘20s Plenty’ campaign shows that a 20mph limit can reduce CO2 levels and NOx by more than 25%, compared to 30mph.   

And it could cut congestion, making urban driving more efficient for fleets.  

“With many local authorities having already introduced 20mph speed limits in town centres and residential areas, it seems only a matter of time before the wider changes in Wales are adopted by the rest of the UK. Taking the benefits into account, it’s difficult to argue against it,” Goldin summed up.