Having campaigned for years for 20mph speed restrictions in communities, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has welcomed the launch of a consultation into reducing speed limits.
The Welsh Government’s aim is to reduce the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph on restricted roads, which are generally located in residential communities and built-up areas across Wales.
Reducing the speed limit could:
- reduce the number and severity of road collisions
- increase opportunities to walk and cycle in our communities
- help improve health and wellbeing for all
- make our streets safer and help safeguard the environment for future generations
Welcoming the consultation, Janet said:
“Reducing speed limits to twenty is a common sense and safe move. A person is seven times less likely to die if hit at 20mph than 30mph – or ten times if they’re over the age of 60.
“Public Health Wales has previously advised that there would be significant public health benefits from dropping the limit.
“International cities such as Perth, Dublin, Milan, Wellington, and Washington, are leading the way, and now it is time for us to catch up in Wales.
“I encourage as many residents as possible to respond to the consultation and send a clear message to Welsh Government that we need our highways to be safer places for all users”.
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS
Notes: The Welsh Government consultation can be accessed here: Proposal to reduce speed limit to 20mph on residential streets | GOV.WALES
