First Minister Mark Drakeford told the Welsh Assembly that work is being progressed by the Government and the Welsh Local Government Association to “identify the practical actions needed” to implement the policy across the country.

He added: “My colleague Ken Skates has provided hundreds of millions of pounds for small area 20mph zones. What we now want to do is go beyond that. The city of Cardiff is a good example of what can be done.”

Cardiff Council introduced a 20mph speed limit in the Cathays area of the city in 2014, which is said to have reduced average traffic speed. Further areas of the city have since introduced a 20mph limit.

Mark Drakeford went on to tell the Assembly: “We know 20mph reduces accidents, particularly to children and we want to see that become the default position across Wales.” He added that local authorities will continue to have discretion to retain 30mph zones on key arterial routes.

The news was welcomed by both Labour and Conservative politicians in the Assembly, as well as the road safety charity Brake. “We applaud the Welsh Government’s announcement and urge the Department for Transport to follow their lead,” said campaigns director Joshua Harris. “20mph limits where people work, live and play are widely accepted as the safest option. Slower speeds save lives and also make our streets more liveable environments.”

(Photograph: Alastair Lloyd)