MARK Drakeford firmly believes that “reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives,” a stance rooted in the belief that slower speeds on residential roads can have a profound impact on road safety. He lent his voice to the cause while preparing to visit St Brides Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, a region that has been testing the lower speed limit for over two years. During his visit, he intends to engage with local businesses, parents, and children, in a bid to garner support for the impending change.
However, not everyone is on board with this shift. Critics, including some residents of St Brides, argue that instead of implementing a new speed limit, authorities should prioritize better enforcement of the existing 30mph limit.
Wales is set to follow Spain’s example, which made a similar change to 30km/h (18.6mph) in 2019, leading to a reported reduction in urban road fatalities. Starting from September 17th, all roads in Wales currently capped at 30mph (50km/h) will be reduced to 20mph (32km/h), although local councils have been granted the authority to impose exceptions, some of which they have already exercised.
Mark Drakeford, in a recent interview on Radio Wales Breakfast, articulated his conviction that the 20mph limit “will lead to fewer deaths” and “fewer accidents.” He defended the associated cost of £32.5 million, emphasizing that it’s a one-time expense that will ultimately save the health service a staggering £92 million annually. The First Minister went further, projecting a decrease in casualty numbers by “thousands” over the next decade, highlighting the significant potential to reduce the burden on emergency services.
In sum, Wales is poised for a substantial shift in road safety policy, with the First Minister asserting that the 20mph speed limit is a vital step toward reducing road accidents and ultimately saving lives, even as skeptics call for more rigorous enforcement of existing speed limits. The effectiveness of this change will soon be put to the test, and its impact on road safety in Wales will undoubtedly be closely monitored.
