20mph Speed Limits
for Safer and Healthier Welsh Streets
About 20mph in Wales
From September 2023, a new default 20mph speed limit will apply to residential and busy pedestrian streets with street lights in Wales.
The Welsh Government is making this change for a number of reasons, including:
- Reducing the number of collisions and reducing the number of severe injuries (and also reduce the impact on the NHS to treat the people who are injured)
- It will encourage more people to walk and cycle in our communities
- Helping to improve our health and wellbeing
- Making our streets safer; and
- Safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Introducing 20mph speed limits: frequently asked questions
Carmarthenshire Road Network
Carmarthenshire has the second largest road network in Wales which runs to over 3,500km and changing the traffic signs across the network will take some time. Our Highways Team are installing new traffic sign-posts and will roll out changing the speed limit signs as quickly as possible, but it will take time to cover such an extensive network.
Map of roads affected by changes to the speed limit on restricted roads
About 20mph in Wales
From September 2023, a new default 20mph speed limit will apply to residential and busy pedestrian streets with street lights in Wales.
The Welsh Government is making this change for a number of reasons, including:
- Reducing the number of collisions and reducing the number of severe injuries (and also reduce the impact on the NHS to treat the people who are injured)
- It will encourage more people to walk and cycle in our communities
- Helping to improve our health and wellbeing
- Making our streets safer; and
- Safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Introducing 20mph speed limits: frequently asked questions
Carmarthenshire Road Network
Carmarthenshire has the second largest road network in Wales which runs to over 3,500km and changing the traffic signs across the network will take some time. Our Highways Team are installing new traffic sign-posts and will roll out changing the speed limit signs as quickly as possible, but it will take time to cover such an extensive network.
Map of roads affected by changes to the speed limit on restricted roads
The Benefits
Public Health Wales believe that lowering the default speed limit to 20mph could have substantial health benefits. 20mph will reduce the risk of collisions, help people feel safer and benefit people’s physical and mental well being. Driving slower produces less noise, reduces fuel consumption, and exhaust and non exhaust emissions are likely to be reduced at lower speeds, tyres and roads will not breakdown so much, thereby reducing non exhaust emissions.
The Welsh Government is working closely with GoSafe and the Police, who enforce speed limits in Wales, to ensure that the new speed limits are respected and driver behaviour change is supported.
The Support
Most adults in Wales support the change, in a national survey in 2020 over 80% of people said they supported the reduction to 20mph. Feedback from the first phase of schemes, run across Wales, is that most people, even those who have disagreed with the way the first phase scheme was implemented, agree that reducing the speed limit makes streets safer. Other feedback, from correspondence received by the Welsh Government, has been that people who live on streets that have a 20mph limit quickly get used to the slower traffic speed and see the benefit of it.
The 20mph default limit will be in place where people live. It is being implemented for the benefit of residents and their communities. Its introduction will make for safer streets and healthier communities.
The Benefits
Public Health Wales believe that lowering the default speed limit to 20mph could have substantial health benefits. 20mph will reduce the risk of collisions, help people feel safer and benefit people’s physical and mental well being. Driving slower produces less noise, reduces fuel consumption, and exhaust and non exhaust emissions are likely to be reduced at lower speeds, tyres and roads will not breakdown so much, thereby reducing non exhaust emissions.
The Welsh Government is working closely with GoSafe and the Police, who enforce speed limits in Wales, to ensure that the new speed limits are respected and driver behaviour change is supported.
The Support
Most adults in Wales support the change, in a national survey in 2020 over 80% of people said they supported the reduction to 20mph. Feedback from the first phase of schemes, run across Wales, is that most people, even those who have disagreed with the way the first phase scheme was implemented, agree that reducing the speed limit makes streets safer. Other feedback, from correspondence received by the Welsh Government, has been that people who live on streets that have a 20mph limit quickly get used to the slower traffic speed and see the benefit of it.
The 20mph default limit will be in place where people live. It is being implemented for the benefit of residents and their communities. Its introduction will make for safer streets and healthier communities.
The Research
According to the World Health Organisation, the most effective way to improve pedestrian safety is to reduce the speed of vehicles. In 2018, 50% of casualties on our roads happened on 30mph roads. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents states that 45% of pedestrians get killed when struck by a car going at 30mph or less, but 5% when going at 20mph or less. In the distance it takes for a car travelling 20mph to stop, a 30mph car is still moving at 24mph. This makes a substantial difference to the ability to avoid collisions.
There is evidence from across the world that vehicle speeds are the main reason why people do not walk or cycle or do not allow their children to walk or cycle to school. Lower traffic speeds will create more liveable communities and encourage walking and cycling. People will feel more comfortable when walking and cycling, it is safer for children to walk from the moment they are outside their homes, play outside and to walk to school, while older people also feel more able to travel independently and safely.
Welsh Government Evidence Document
Schools
By reducing the number of journeys, you make to school by car, will make the area around schools safer for all children to travel.
We are continuing to work with schools on several initiatives, to encourage more active journeys to schools, by introducing more opportunities for parents and children to walk, cycle or scoot to school. We can also help you to set up a walking bus. Take a look at our walk to school page to see how you can get involved.
We are also working with schools, GoSafe and Dyfed Powys Police, where speeding motorists are stopped and are given the option to take a fine and points or get asked a series of questions from children at the local school.
The Research
According to the World Health Organisation, the most effective way to improve pedestrian safety is to reduce the speed of vehicles. In 2018, 50% of casualties on our roads happened on 30mph roads. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents states that 45% of pedestrians get killed when struck by a car going at 30mph or less, but 5% when going at 20mph or less. In the distance it takes for a car travelling 20mph to stop, a 30mph car is still moving at 24mph. This makes a substantial difference to the ability to avoid collisions.
There is evidence from across the world that vehicle speeds are the main reason why people do not walk or cycle or do not allow their children to walk or cycle to school. Lower traffic speeds will create more liveable communities and encourage walking and cycling. People will feel more comfortable when walking and cycling, it is safer for children to walk from the moment they are outside their homes, play outside and to walk to school, while older people also feel more able to travel independently and safely.
Welsh Government Evidence Document
Schools
By reducing the number of journeys, you make to school by car, will make the area around schools safer for all children to travel.
We are continuing to work with schools on several initiatives, to encourage more active journeys to schools, by introducing more opportunities for parents and children to walk, cycle or scoot to school. We can also help you to set up a walking bus. Take a look at our walk to school page to see how you can get involved.
We are also working with schools, GoSafe and Dyfed Powys Police, where speeding motorists are stopped and are given the option to take a fine and points or get asked a series of questions from children at the local school.
Community concern?
You can report a community speeding concern direct to GoSafe, Casualty Reduction Partnership.
Community Speed Watch is a local initiative where members of the community work with the police to monitor speeds of vehicles. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit are referred to the police with the aim of educating drivers.
GoSafe - Contact Us/Community Concerns
GoSafe - Community Speed Watch
Latest News & Updates
Want to be the first to hear about the introduction of 20mph in your area and receive further information on road safety activities in Carmarthenshire, then sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter.
Sign Up to receive updates
Further Information
You can find further information about Welsh Governments 20mph speed limits here:
Community concern?
You can report a community speeding concern direct to GoSafe, Casualty Reduction Partnership.
Community Speed Watch is a local initiative where members of the community work with the police to monitor speeds of vehicles. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit are referred to the police with the aim of educating drivers.
GoSafe - Contact Us/Community Concerns
GoSafe - Community Speed Watch
Latest News & Updates
Want to be the first to hear about the introduction of 20mph in your area and receive further information on road safety activities in Carmarthenshire, then sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter.
Sign Up to receive updates
Further Information
You can find further information about Welsh Governments 20mph speed limits here:
