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| Long title | An order that restricts the default speed limit on Welsh roads in built up areas to 20 mph. |
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| Territorial extent | Wales |
Status: Current legislation | |
The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order is a piece of UK legislation that sets a default statutory speed limit of 20 mph in built up areas in Wales.
On 17 September 2023, Wales introduced a default speed limit of 20 mph in built up areas. An estimated 7,700 miles of road were changed from 30 mph to a 20 mph speed limit. Around 30% of 30 mph roads retained the 30 mph limit, with local authorities allowed to apply for exemptions to the new law.[1] The Welsh Government said they were doing this to reduce death and injury on the roads, as well as reduce noise and pollution and encourage active travel. This was despite their own figures showing the measure could cost Wales £4.5 billion over a 30 year period.[1] Spain had already enacted a similar default speed limit in 2019. Across the UK, many cities and towns already had residential areas with 20 mph speed limits. Scotland were considering a similar 20 mph default speed limit to Wales.[1]
- ^ a b c "20mph: Wales first UK nation to drop speed limit from 30mph". BBC News. 17 September 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.