THE number of casualties from road traffic collisions in Wales reduced following the introduction of the 20mph speed limit, new figures show. 

Data published by Welsh Government on Thursday (June 6) shows casualties have reduced on roads since the introduction of the new 20mph speed limits in September last year.

The controversial speed limit has proved hugely unpopular across Wales, with over 450,000 members of the public signing a petition opposing the new limit. 

In addition, several MS's and MP's have called for the scheme to be scrapped in its entirety. 

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.

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 still got a way to go, and we expect numbers to fluctuate over the next few years as drivers adjust to the new speed, but it’s encouraging to see that things are moving in the right direction. Every casualty reduced makes a real difference.

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"The principal objective of the policy has always been to reduce casualties and help people feel safer in their communities and today’s data reinforces we’re on the way to achieving this.

"But, as I continue on my listening programme, I am aware that we still need to refine the policy to ensure we have the right speeds on the right roads and acknowledge that some roads may need to revert back to 30mph.

"I encourage people to get in touch with their local council to tell them where they think 20mph should and should not be targeted."