Welsh parliament votes to make 20mph default speed limit
A default speed limit of 20mph is to be introduced across Wales after the Senedd approved new legislation by 39 votes to 15 last night. The nationwide limit, to be introduced in September 2023, will apply to restricted roads, typically residential and built-up areas with high pedestrian activity. This will make Wales the first UK nation to lower the default national speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.
The slower speed limits are currently being trialled in eight communities across.
Although new legislation will make the default limit 20mph, local highway authorities will be able to set a different speed limit on individual roads to allow for particular local requirements.
Currently, just 2.5% of Welsh roads have a speed limit of 20mph, but the Welsh government expects this to increase to about 35% next year.
