On 17th September 2023, the Welsh Government introduced a standard 20 mph speed limit on all restricted roads in Wales. The majority of these roads are located in residential and built-up areas. Previously, most followed the UK standard speed limit of 30 mph. The change increased the length of 20 mph roads in Wales from approximately 540 miles to 8,077 miles, and reduced 30 mph roads from 8,140 miles to around 610 miles.
The primary aim of the new limit was to reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions.
Provisional statistics released by the police in Wales provide insight into the first full year following the change, covering data to the end of September 2024.
Comparing figures for all 20 mph and 30 mph roads from the same September-to-September period before and after the change, key trends include:
- Total collisions dropped from 1,928 to 1,428 — a 26% decrease
- Fatal collisions decreased from 30 to 22
- Serious injury collisions fell from 421 to 351
- Casualty numbers also declined across the board
While these figures are positive, they should be interpreted with caution. One year of data can be volatile, and collision numbers in Wales have been steadily declining for many years due to various factors. It’s too early to credit any single change, including the 20 mph limit.
The full police data report is available on the Gov.Wales website.
What this means for employers
Driving is one of the highest-risk activities many employees undertake. If your employees drive for work — whether using company vehicles or their own — it’s your responsibility to assess and manage those risks. Areas to consider include:
- Journey planning and fatigue management
- Driver competence, training, and awareness of road rules
- Vehicle condition and suitability for the task
- Access to welfare facilities during work-related travel
