A new YouGov poll, conducted between 24 and 29 July, reveals that 72% of Welsh residents oppose the default 20mph speed limit introduced last September, while only 24% support it. The poll, based on a sample of 1,151 adults across Wales, highlights significant dissatisfaction among drivers, according to Deeside.com.
Four in 10 drivers (40%) admit to regularly exceeding the 20mph limit, with 13% saying they do so “all the time” and 27% “most of the time.” Only 6% of drivers report never breaching the limit, showcasing the challenge of enforcing this controversial policy.
Opposition is strongest among voters for the Conservative and Reform UK parties, with 93% and 89% respectively against the limit.
Even among Labour and Plaid Cymru supporters, who initially backed the policy, opposition is notable, with 59% of Labour voters and 56% of Plaid voters expressing discontent.
The disapproval is further reflected in GoSafe’s latest figures, showing that more than 5,000 drivers were caught speeding in North Wales last month – an increase of 480% from June.
Since the 20mph limit was implemented, nearly 7,000 motorists in North Wales alone have been caught exceeding the speed limit, with the highest recorded speed being an alarming 88mph. Public confusion also plays a role in the policy’s unpopularity.
However, as Highways News reported on 9 August, 20’s Plenty’s founder and Campaign Director Rod King says there never was a “blanket” 20mph limit in place and it was always a default for built-up roads with exceptions decided by Highway Authorities. “In fact,” said King “Members of Senedd have been warned by the Senedd Standards Commissioner that the use of the word blanket is incorrect and misinforms.”
The YouGov poll indicates that 60% of Welsh residents find it unclear which roads the 20mph limit applies to, with only 37% stating they have a clear understanding.
This lack of clarity may contribute to the widespread non-compliance observed.
(Pic – Yay Images)
