Speed limits are set to change in parts of Wales in a scheme which could go nationwide if it's judged a success.
The 30mph limit will be cut to 20mph in eight areas of Wales, as part of a Welsh Government pilot.
The areas included in the pilot are:
- St Brides Major
- Northwest Cardiff
- Abergavenny
- Severnside
- Buckley
- Cilfriw Village
- St Dogmaels
- Llanelli North
The speed limit in these areas will change in phases from this summer to the end of the year. It could see 20mph becoming the default speed limit in residential areas in April, 2023, in a move to make roads safer for people cycling or walking.
Lee Waters, deputy minister for economy and transport, said: “Making 20mph the default speed limit in residential areas is a bold step that will save lives.
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“We have made progress on reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads over the 21 years of devolution, but despite our considerable efforts the highest proportion of all casualties — 50 per cent — occurred on 30mph roads during 2018.
“This cannot be tolerated, so a reduction to 20mph on our residential and other busy pedestrian urban roads has to be the way forward.”
The parts of Cardiff covered in the new pilot are: Whitchurch, Tongwynlais, Llandaff North, Rhiwbina and Heath.
During the pilot, the Welsh Government will monitor data on compliance, casualties, walking and cycling, as well as economic, environmental and health impacts.
The new 20mph speed limits will be made with Traffic Orders, involving local public consultations before they are brought in.
Mr Waters added: “Decreasing speeds reduces accidents and saves lives, and alongside this the quality of life will improve, making room on our streets for safer active travel.
“This helps reduce our environmental impact and has a positive outcome for our physical and mental wellbeing.”
