20mph Speed Limits – Update on implementation

The national picture

In May 2019, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that it was Welsh Government policy to set a national default 20mph limit for residential areas. Since that time work has been underway to prepare for that change.

The timetable proposed was to pass the statutory instrument in October 2021 and to effect the change in law in April 2023.

What will the impact of a default 20mph mean?

When the legislation changes all roads will automatically default to 20mph. This means that the maximum speed you can legally travel at will be 20mph. There are some roads that will remain at 30mph and these will then be signed in the same way that roads with higher speed limits are now.

Any signage that is in place indicating a 20mph limit will be removed and there will be no signage in place to remind you of the speed limit – much in the same way as it is in the current 30mph limits.

How will the new limits be enforced?

Enforcement of the speed limit is a matter for the police.  However Cardiff Council is working with GoSafe and Welsh Government during the first phase to develop an enforcement strategy.

What’s happening now?

The change of default speed limit in built up areas will take place on 17th September 2023.

This is a Welsh Government National change which all Local Authorities in Wales must comply with.

When the legislation changes all roads will automatically default to 20mph. This means that the maximum speed you can legally travel at will be 20mph. Some roads will remain at 30mph and these will then be signed in the same way that roads with higher speed limits are now.

Any signage that is in place indicating a 20mph limit will be removed and there will be no signage in place to remind you of the speed limit – much in the same way as it is in the current 30mph limits.

Over the next few months you will see:

• A Traffic Regulation Order process involving public consultation on roads that have been assessed as appropriate to retain at 30 mph.
• The removal of 20 mph signage starting with carriageway roundels and gateway features and finishing with the statutory 20mph speed limit signs.
• The installation of 30mph signage where appropriate after the TRO consultation has concluded – this will be covered until the Coming in Force date
• A Welsh Government led communications process to alert the public to the change

The Welsh Government and Cardiff Council are working closely with GoSafe, the organisation responsible for enforcing speeds in Wales to ensure that motorists are aware of the new default limit.

These changes apply across Wales and more information can be found on the Welsh Government 20mph pages

The project to alter signage will be taking place across the city and we appreciate your patience whilst this is taking place.

Welsh Government has indicated that local authorities will have a buffer of 6 months after the 17th September 2023 to check that signage is correct

Useful Links:

20mph speed limits | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES