A NEW 20mph default speed limit in communities across Wales could save £100m as deaths and injuries are reduced, according to new research.

The research showing a reduction in deaths and injuries as traffic slows down is being published today (Monday, November 7) alongside new survey results showing continued public support for the national roll out of the lower 20mph speed limit next year – a UK first.

The Welsh Government will introduce a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wales in September 2023. The government said restricted roads include those with street-lights which are usually located in residential and built-up areas with high pedestrian activity.

The scheme, which has been trialled in Buckley, Flintshire and several other areas of Wales, is going to cost the government £33million to roll out in April 2023. It has led to calls from politicians for the money to be spent on things like healthcare and education. 

But new research, conducted by the Transport Research Institute (TRI) at Edinburgh Napier University, in conjunction with Public Health Wales, estimates a new default 20mph speed limit on residential roads across Wales will save around £100m in the first year alone.

READ MORE: 'I feel so sorry for the people of Buckley' - Senedd member on 20mph scheme

The estimated cost saving is the direct result of fewer deaths and injuries.

The new 20mph default speed limit is estimated to save more than 100 lives over a decade and 14,000 casualties in total could be avoided.

A new independent public attitude survey, conducted by Beaufort Research on behalf of the Welsh Government, shows the majority of respondents support a new lower speed limit.

Almost two-thirds of people surveyed said they would support a 20mph speed limit where they lived and 62 per cent said they wanted everyone to slow down on the roads.

When asked about safety, 64 per cent of people said that 20mph speed limits “makes it safer for pedestrians”; 57 per cent agreed that 20mph means “fewer serious collisions on the roads” and almost half (47 per cent) thought 20mph would make it safer for cyclists.

However, a petition opposing the roll-out of the scheme has gathered nearly 50,000 signatures. And Buckley residents recently sent an open letter to Flintshire Council in opposition to it - after a blanket 20mph limit was introduced there earlier this year. 

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.

“Slower speeds also create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, which will help to improve our health and wellbeing and help to improve the environment.

“This new research shows the savings in terms of reductions in people being hurt or killed but the benefits of 20mph stretch much further than casualty savings alone. The report suggests the lower speed limit will help encourage physical activity and in turn reduce obesity, stress and anxiety."

He added: “As with any change we know it will take time for people to adapt. But I’m pleased to see the early indications show a majority of people are in favour of 20mph, and I am confident that if we all work together, we can make the necessary changes that will benefit us now and in the future.”