Wales road safety stats: 20mph 'a beacon for the rest of the UK'

The latest police statistics, covering the third quarter of 2024, show collisions and casualties on Welsh roads are at their lowest level for the summer quarter since records began, including during the pandemic.

Data published by the Welsh Government shows the impact of the 20mph default limit in the first full year since it was introduced in September 2023.

During the 12 months after the introduction of the new speed limit (2023 Q4 to 2024 Q3), the number of casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads (combined) was 28% lower than the same period a year before.

The data also shows that the number of casualties on roads with 20mph and 30mph road speed limits (combined) between July and September 2024 was the lowest for Quarter 3 since records began.

Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales said: ‘The picture continues to be encouraging with the number of collisions on our roads at their lowest level for this quarter. We know there is a way to go and we’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy, but to see the figures for this quarter at their lowest level is positive.

‘We continue to build on the consensus that, where 20mph is the right speed, it works well. We have listened to people on the policy and we have empowered local authorities to make changes where it is safe to do so.’

Cycling UK’s Wales lead, Gwenda Owen, said: ‘Having looked at road safety stats for over 10 years, I can confidently say this is the single most significant and positive change we've ever seen in any nation in the UK. It’s proof that slower speeds on our roads save lives.

‘The Welsh Government’s determination to get 20mph as a default over the line should be a beacon for the rest of the UK as it clearly demonstrates how we can save lives and make our roads safer.’