More 20MPH zones will improve road safety the Welsh Government Transport Minister Carl Sargeant said this week. And he urged local councils to introduce more of them.

Speaking during Road Safety Week the Minister highlighted the benefits of 20MPH speed limits.

“There is a direct correlation between lower speed limits and reduced casualty rates which is why we have always supported their introduction,” Mr Sargeant said.

“Sadly the Welsh Government does not have the powers to change national speed limits so I am calling on local authorities to increase the number of 20MPH zones.”

Research by the Welsh Government suggests that 20MPH zones can reduce casualties by approximately 40%. This research is supported by work in areas like Sandfields in Port Talbot. Sandfields introduced a long term strategy of improving road safety on its roads that culminated in a blanket 20MPH zone across the entire estate. This led to a 48% reduction in personal injuries over a three year period.

The Welsh Government recently published its White Paper for the Active Travel Bill which sets out legal requirements for councils to make it safer and easier for people to walk and cycle.

“An increase in the number of 20MPH zones will have a positive effect on this aim as people will feel safer to walk or cycle,” the minister said.

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