20mph limit Cardiff Rollback
The introduction of a 20mph limit in Cardiff has sparked widespread public debate. Strong public support for changing the speed limit has not swayed decision-makers who will implement a “cautious approach” to reversing the 20mph restrictions due to road safety concerns.
The upcoming public consultation in Cardiff predicts that residents will support reinstating a 30mph limit on certain roads. After a petition opposing the blanket 20mph policy received close to 500,000 signatures reviews are being conducted throughout Wales.
The Welsh government asserts that their policy objective centers around saving lives and minimizing casualty rates while early evidence indicates a decline in road fatalities and severe injuries after the implementation of the changes.
Safety Concerns at the Forefront
Officials from Cardiff Council have stated their concerns about raising speed limits because of possible dangers. The council has decision-making power but will make changes through collective decisions to assess all elements.
The senior transport official from Cardiff requested anonymity before making their statement.
In all past reviews of speed limits we have consistently made reductions for safety purposes. Higher speeds will increase the chance of injury during accidents and thus require us to adopt cautious measures.
They added: Nobody wants to make choices which might result in someone losing their life later on. That responsibility weighs heavily on us.”
Since 17 September 2023, the default speed limit on urban roads in Wales has been 20mph, with some exemptions. Initial data indicates that around 100 fewer people have been killed or seriously injured on 20mph and 30mph roads compared to the same period the previous year. The number of casualties has fallen by 28%, including 10 fewer deaths.
Despite these figures, the policy has been one of the most controversial introduced by the Welsh government, with ongoing political and public debate over its effectiveness and implementation.
Calls for a More Common Sense
There are many in Cardiff including some Councillors that the policy was introduced badly .
“The 20mph rollout was a mess from the start,” said a Cardiff councillor who wished to remain anonymous. “The Welsh government was warned, but they pushed ahead regardless. Now, with budgets stretched, we’re looking at spending more money to undo some of it.”
The policy has been defended by Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales, stating that safety remains the priority.
“We want to ensure the right speeds on the right roads, balancing safety with practicality,” he said. “Local authorities, including Cardiff, are reviewing roads based on updated guidance and public feedback.”
Cardiff Council is now assessing which roads may be eligible for a return to 30mph, with final decisions expected in the coming months. Officials will collaborate with road safety organisations and South Wales Police to ensure any changes are clearly communicated to the public.
The debate over the 20mph limit will continue to cause conflict, but for now, Cardiff is reassessing its approach to any potential rollbacks.
30mph limit from 20mph limit – roads affected.
What roads might return to 30 mph?
- Roads that are outside of city, town, or village centres
- Roads with low housing density
- Roads where pedestrians and cyclists are segregated from motor traffic
- Roads that are considered to be main or strategic roads, such as A and B roads. eg Hadfield Road, Caerphilly Road and Excalibur Drive.
- You can contact your local council to tell them where you think 20 mph should be targeted.
