Will a reduced speed limit actually improve safety?

The World Health Organisation states that the most effective way to improve pedestrian safety is to reduce the speed of vehicles. 50% of casualties on our roads in 2018, occurred on 30mph roads. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) states that 45% of pedestrians get killed when struck by a car going at 30mph or less but only 5% when going at 20mph or less.

Why do you want to introduce a 20mph speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets across Monmouthshire?

We believe that introducing a 20mph on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets across Monmouthshire would:

• reduce the risk and severity of injuries as a result of collisions between vehicles and vulnerable road users
• encourage more people to cycle and walk
• make Monmouthshire more attractive for our communities
• bring physical and mental health benefits.

Will reducing speeds to 20mph damages my car gear box?

Most modern cars can drive at 20mph without damaging the engine or components. 20mph limits have been used since the early 1990s and there have been no reported gearbox issues. Using too low a gear at any speed may increase wear on gearboxes. Using the right gear and driving at a consistent speed will help prolong engine and gearbox life.

What will happen in 2023?

When the speed limit across Wales changes next year, all 20 mph signage and road markings will be removed. Instead, the parts of the road network that will remain at 30 mph will have new signs installed. Where there is street lighting on a road, with no speed limit signs, drivers should assume that the speed limit is 20 mph.

Some roads will stay at 30 mph and have been identified using a variety of approaches including a special ‘exceptions’ process and local knowledge. The Welsh Government is working closely with GoSafe who enforce speed limits in Wales to ensure that the new speed limits are respected and driver behaviour change is supported.