The regulations that will make 20mph the default urban speed limit in Wales were designed to prevent local authorities becoming bogged down in judicial review, the Welsh Government has revealed.
The Welsh Parliament approved the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 on Tuesday (12 July). From September 2023, most roads which are now 30mph will automatically have a 20mph limit.
As Highways revealed last year, transport infrastructure bodies have witnessed an increase in legal challenges, leading to additional costs and potentially delays.
Although a structured survey in 2020 found that 81% of the Welsh population support the 20mph default limit, there is increasing hostility from vociferous motorists. Some businesses, such as taxi operators, could also argue that they will suffer financial hardship where vehicles and drivers would undertake fewer trips per shift.
Local authorities can except any roads, using Orders to retain the 30mph limit. An exceptions process tool has been developed to help define suitable roads, but the process is likely to attract local controversy.
Climate change minister Julie James told Highways: ‘The exceptions process has been developed by a group working with us and our local authorities to work out the most efficient way of doing the exceptions process, to take into account what is the evidential base needed, what are the views of the local people and the local councillors, and how that authority can make the ruling without the threat of judicial review and challenge.’
The aim was also to avoid ‘wildly differing exceptions criteria across Wales’, but Ms James added: ‘In the end, it will be the local authority as the transport authority that makes that process.’
Highways asked whether one of the intentions was that the increased journey times by car would discourage some car trips. A Welsh Government spokesman replied: ‘Alongside the road safety benefits, the 20mph default will encourage more people to walk or cycle on our streets.
‘This in turn will help reduce our environmental impact and have a positive outcome for our physical and mental wellbeing.’
