On what is quite literally a slow news day, Welsh Parliament was set to pass a vote to lower the speed limit in built-up areas from 30mph to 20mph. It would come into force in September 2023, and Scotland could follow in 2025.
Wales’ deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters said: “The evidence is clear, decreasing speeds not only reduces accidents and saves lives, but helps improve people’s quality of life - making our streets and communities a safer and more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians, whilst helping reduce our environmental impact.”
The Welsh Government cites safety research from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents finding that 45% of pedestrians are killed when struck by a car going at 30mph or less but only 5% when going at 20mph or less.
Furthermore, the expectation is it will not lead to more cars being on the road – and possibly encourage more walking and cycling – so there could be benefits in congestion and pollution.
Other parts of the UK may well be watching how the changes in Wales are received and whether they bring the intended benefits, or if slowing traffic down is too much of an annoyance for drivers.
Those used to being on the road in busy areas of London and at rush hour may be wondering when they managed to get up to speeds of 30mph anyway.
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