Overview
- Official Department for Transport data shows 84% of cars regularly exceed 20mph limits, with more than half driving over 30mph in those zones.
- Compliance has shown virtually no improvement five years after wider 20mph rollouts, raising questions about effectiveness.
- Speeding is far more prevalent in 20mph areas than on other road types, with fewer drivers exceeding limits on motorways and dual carriageways.
- Wales set 20mph as the default on most restricted roads in 2023 and later created a process for local authorities to revert specific streets to 30mph if safety can be demonstrated.
- Transport Scotland cites a seven-fold higher fatality risk at 30mph versus 20mph as Scotland continues to promote broader 20mph adoption.