Wales Becomes the First UK Nation to Reduce Speed Limit from 30mph to 20mph

In a UK first, the speed limit in built-up areas in Wales will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph starting this Sunday. The Welsh government believes that a lower speed limit will lead to a reduction in deaths and noise, as well as encouraging walking and cycling. The move has gained support from the United Nations, environmental groups, and road safety organizations. However, some opposing politicians argue that it is a "war on motorists." Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford defended the decision, stating that it would save lives and emphasized that the impact on journey times would be minimal. The change in speed limit will apply to about 35% of Welsh roads where lamp-posts are spaced no more than 200 yards apart. While there was some opposition to the speed limit during the consultation, the Welsh government believes that the benefits outweigh the costs. The estimated cost for implementing the new nationwide speed limit is £32.5 million, but it is expected to have a positive impact on the NHS and emergency services, potentially saving £92 million a year. The Welsh Conservatives expressed support for a 20mph limit outside specific locations such as schools and hospitals but criticized the blanket rollout as "disastrous." They argued that it would cause economic disadvantages. Nonetheless, Welsh ministers are confident that the economic impact will be small and the benefits in terms of road safety and reducing pollution will be significant. The United Nations has advocated for 20mph speed limits to be the norm in cities worldwide, while organizations such as Rospa and Sustrans Cymru have praised the move for creating fairer and safer communities. The European Transport Safety Council has also commended Wales for being one of the first countries to implement a nationwide lower speed limit. The Welsh government's decision has prompted debate, with some arguing it is necessary for the safety and health of communities, while others view it as punitive to motorists. Whether Scotland and England will adopt a similar change is still under consideration. Road safety group Brake has called for a nationwide 20mph default limit in England, but the UK government has rejected this idea. To implement the new speed limit, an estimated 30,000 road signs will be replaced on 7,700 miles of road in Wales. Drivers caught exceeding the 20mph limit may face fines and penalty points, with enforcement being carried out initially through education and discretion rather than immediately resorting to penalties. Fixed speed cameras, however, will enforce the new limit. Some exemptions to the default limit are permitted for certain roads where there is "strong evidence" that higher speeds are safe, as determined by local authorities.