Speed Limit To Be Lowered To 20mph In Parts Of UK

The speed limit is expected to be lowered to 20 miles per hour in some parts of the UK.

Drivers travelling through built-up areas in Wales are expected to be hit by the new speed limit next year, reduced from 30mph in a UK first for road users.

Many towns and cities in the UK have imposed 20mph limits on residential streets, but Wales would become the first country in the UK to set the rule in place by default in built-up areas. 

However, Scotland is expected to follow along with the rule three years later, in 2025.

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The proposed new law is set to be put to the Welsh Parliament today (12 July). 

If the law change gets the green light, the new 20mph speed limit could be rolled out as early as September 2023.

Ministers in the area have stated that a 20mph will help reduce road collisions and traffic noise, and may even encourage others to walk and cycle more.

The lower speed limit has been a subject of controversy in recent moments, where some drivers have reported more congestion on roads and longer journeys.

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Echoing this sentiment, the Welsh Conservatives have dubbed the blanket road rule as ‘ludicrous’.

Meanwhile, campaigners in the area have argued that the rule may save lives, stating that the chances of someone surviving a road traffic accident are seven times higher at 20mph compared to 30mph while stopping distances are almost halved.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We know that 20mph zones reduce the speed of traffic, reduce accidents - particularly accidents to children.

"We want to see that become the default position right across Wales."

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The Welsh government have also claimed that the reduction of average speeds could have some financial benefits, too, as it could result in a £58 million saving across 30 years due to reduced emergency service use and hospital treatment.

Meanwhile, a law change in the European Union which came into effect on 6 July aims to make newer cars safer and encourage drivers to stay within the speed limit.

Now, all new cars sold in the EU will have to be installed with a piece of technology that can detect when a driver is speeding and automatically reduce the speed of the vehicle.

It’s called Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) and even cars that are already in circulation will have to have one fitted by 7 July 2024. You can read more on that here.