Welsh Government reverts 20mph speed limits back to 30mph on select roads

In response to the Welsh Government's decision to revert the 20mph speed limit to 30mph on specific local roads, Rod Dennis, a road safety spokesperson for the RAC, has expressed mixed reactions.

Dennis noted that the move would be welcomed by many drivers across Wales, though he highlighted the financial implications of reverting the changes.

The RAC supports the use of 20mph limits in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity, acknowledging their effectiveness in reducing road casualties. Yet, Dennis criticised their application on roads more suitable for higher speeds, suggesting that such misplacement could lead to non-compliance and diminish their overall effectiveness.

Dennis further referenced RAC research indicating a significant discrepancy in driver behaviour under different speed limits.

Rod Dennis said: “This decision will please a great many drivers in Wales, but it’s a shame so many roads that should have always remained at 30mph were unnecessarily converted to 20mph.

“More public money now needs to be spent changing signs back at time when funds are already stretched. We are very supportive of 20mph limits being implemented in places where there’s a greater presence of pedestrians and cyclists as they are proven to reduce road casualties, but when used on roads that are clearly better suited to 30mph, there’s a risk drivers don’t obey the limit and their effectiveness is undermined.

“Among those who admit to speeding on 20mph roads, RAC research [see below] shows half (50%) of drivers say they do so because they feel the limit is inappropriate. This compares to just 28% of drivers who say they exceed the 30mph limit for the same reason."