Lower speed limits mean safer roads

Lower speed limits in the UK mean safer roads and fewer casualties.
By MJ Woof August 2, 2024 Read time: 1 min
Lower speed limits are saving lives and reducing injury levels according to the latest data – image courtesy of © Richardjohnsonuk| Dreamstime.com

 There has been a 26% drop in casualties on roads in Wales in the first quarter of 2024, after the default 20mph (30kmh) speed limit was introduced. The number of fatalities dropped by 55% while the number of serious casualties dropped 19%, according to the latest figures. Meanwhile, there has been a 27% drop in minor injuries.  

The new lower speed limits have been controversial. Many drivers have complained about the low speeds that they are now required to drive at on many roads.  

However, the improved road safety data provides a strong case for the lower limits. In addition, data from London where speed limits have also been reduced back up the case that lower speed limits reduce casualties. The data from London also shows that urban journey times are relatively unchanged in most instances, despite the lower top speeds allowed. There are also suggestions that far from increasing pollution and fuel consumption, these are also being reduced due to the fact that vehicles accelerate less to reach cruising speed at the allowed limit.  

Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

Related Content

  • John Hopkins report: iRAP boosts safety
    May 17, 2024
    A paper and report from Johns Hopkins University suggests that 700,000 deaths and severe injuries have been prevented through road safety projects using the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) methodology.
    Read More
  • Cycling safety concern in the UK
    June 25, 2021
    Cycling safety is a concern in the UK.
    Read More
  • Safety improvements in developed nations
    August 20, 2013
    At a time when road safety is posing a significant threat to both human health and economic development around the world, it is worth noting that in many developed nations the situation is improving. The United Nations has identified road safety as a major problem and established its Decade of Action for Road Safety for the 2010-2020 period, in a bid to cut the growing death toll. But while developing nations are seeing a vast growth in vehicle numbers and road fatalities, the improving road safety situ
    Read More
  • Powered two wheeler safety risk for French riders
    June 29, 2023
    There is a powered two wheeler safety risk for French riders.
    Read More

Highlighted Content