Wales has become the first country in the United Kingdom to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph, with the change taking effect from Sunday 17th September.
The Welsh government has said the new speed limits will reduce deaths on roads, as well as noise pollution. There will also be an increase in air quality due to slower driving. The scheme is also hoping to encourage more cycling and walking, adding overall health benefits to the population.
The change in speed limits will see roughly 35% of Welsh roads being affected by the reduction. Drivers will have to obey the new rules in built-up areas where lampposts are no more than 200 yards apart, unless stated otherwise by signage.
The legislative change is fully supported by the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, who stated “It's going to take you a minute longer to make your journey, and we will save 10 people's lives in Wales every year as a result of that one minute contribution - it doesn't seem an unfair bargain”
Brake, the road safety campaigners, have said that a person hit by a car travelling at 20mph is 5 times less likely to die than if they were hit at 30mph, meaning the lower speed limit will significantly reduce the danger posed by vehicles to the public.
Make sure to keep an eye out for speed limit signs if you're planning a trip to Wales anytime soon, pob lwc!
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