The first road collision data has been published by Welsh Government since the introduction of the 20mph limit in Wales. The new default limit on most previously 30mph roads came in last September. It has been hugely controversial and Welsh Government has launched a major review after the backlash - with an increase expected in the number of 'exception' roads that will return to 30mph.
But the first data released since the change has shown a positive impact on road collisions. The data, which provides the total number of casualties in police recorded collisions, shows that in the last quarter of 2023 (October – December) road casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads reduced by 218, from 681 in 2022 to 463 in 2023. The total number of casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads in Q4 was the lowest quarterly figure on record outside the Covid pandemic period.
READ MORE: Where in North Wales drivers have been pinged for breaking 20mph limit - with over 100 at one location READ MORE: Off-road carnage at North Wales beauty spot could increase flood risk in area Overall, in 2023 police in Wales reported a total of 3,262 road *collisions, a decrease of 1.6% compared to 2022 and 24.7% lower than in 2019 (prior to the covid pandemic).
Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates said: "The data published today clearly shows that casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads have reduced since the introduction of 20mph - the lowest on record outside the Covid pandemic period. “We’ve sti.
