Organisation: Transport for Wales
Date of Publication: March 2023
Uploaded to Knowledge Centre: 10 April 2023
Slower driving speeds, increased levels of walking and cycling and minimal impact on journey times are among the key findings of a new report carried out in areas of Wales trialling the nation’s new default 20mph speed limit.
The interim monitoring report uses data gathered from the eight pilot areas, which introduced 20mph limits between June 2021 and May 2022.
The report finds that, on average, motorists are already driving more slowly in these areas, with an average speed reduction of 3mph recorded across all eight areas.
It says ‘substantial behaviour change’ has been observed in St Brides Major and St Dogmaels (two of the first phase areas to be introduced) where the number of people driving at or below 24mph has increased from 23% to 45% and from 54% to 84% respectively.
In terms of journey times, the report shows that during morning and afternoon peak periods (7-9am & 4-6pm) mean journey time increases ‘are minimal and generally not more than one minute’.
The report also concludes that there have been more children walking, cycling, and scooting to school.
Data from Living Streets’ WOW walk to school challenge shows that schools in 20mph areas have seen a greater increase in active travel journeys (49% to 74%), compared to schools predominantly in 30mph areas (49% to 67%).
Click the following link to view the report:
https://tfw.wales/about-us/transparency/publications/default-20mph-speed-limit