New preliminary 20mph data published today (Wednesday 21 February) suggests that speeds have reduced by an average of four miles per hour on main roads in Wales since the national rollout of the default 20mph speed limit.

The data, which was collected by Transport for Wales, monitored millions of vehicles’ speeds in nine different communities across Wales before and after implementation.

Data gathered shows the average speeds on main roads dropped an average of 4mph – from 28.9mph to 24.8mph – which the Welsh Government says provides clear evidence that speeds are moving in the right direction.

Research suggests a strong link between lowering speeds and decreasing the number of collisions and people injured. On urban roads with low average speeds, there is average 6% reduction in collisions per 1mph reduction in average speed.

This downward trend in speeds is also supported by the phase one data in the final monitoring report from the first phase implementation areas which has also been published today.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with responsibility for transport, Lee Waters said: “The latest data published today is clear evidence that average speeds are coming down on roads across Wales.

“We also know from data published by Go Safe earlier this month that 97% of drivers are complying with the new slower speed limit – behaviours and attitudes towards 20mph are beginning to change.

“We’ve still got a way to go, but it’s encouraging to see that things are moving in the right direction. Every 1mph reduction in speed makes a real difference – so this is a real turning point.

“The international evidence is clear, lower speeds saves lives – that’s fewer collisions, fewer deaths and fewer severe injuries, reducing the devastation to individuals and their families and the significant impact on the NHS and other emergency services.”

(Picture – Yay Images)