Wales 20mph speed limit saves lives – and £45.5m – should England follow suit?
Road deaths in Wales have plummeted by more than a third a year on from the introduction of the 20mph speed limit.
There has been a 35% reduction in the number of people killed on affected residential roads, while the number of serious injuries has dropped by 14.2% and slight injuries by 31% year on year.
Wales introduced a default 20mph speed limit on residential roads in September 2023 with the bold initiative aiming to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The new road collision data gives strong evidence it’s working.
As well as saving lives and preventing heartbreak for their loved ones, there is also a massive financial benefit.
The Department for Transport estimates the total societal cost of someone being killed on the road is just over £2.4 million. When a serious injury occurs, it is £271,000. Even a ‘slight’ injury results in a cost of nearly £21,000. This includes NHS costs, emergency services costs, bereavement services and compensation.
If those estimates are applied to the first nine months of the 20mph scheme in Wales, there were 10 fewer deaths, saving £24m. Including serious and slight injuries, the total saving in just nine months was £45.5m.
Therefore, the question has been raised: could a similar reduction in speed limits across England lead to fewer personal injury claims on the roads?
Why did Wales lower the speed limit to 20mph?
The decision to reduce the speed limit in Wales stems from research showing lower speeds lead to fewer accidents and less severe injuries.
When a vehicle’s speed is reduced from 30mph to 20mph, the likelihood of fatal or serious injury in the event of a collision decreases dramatically, studies suggest.
At 30mph, a pedestrian hit by a car has about a 50% chance of survival. At 20mph, this chance increases to about 90%.
For cyclists, the risk of serious injury drops significantly too.
In addition to making roads safer, the policy also aims to encourage walking and cycling, both of which are considered healthier and more sustainable transportation options.
Slower speeds allow for more people to feel comfortable navigating the streets on foot or by bike, which in turn can contribute to better public health and lower overall traffic volumes.
The benefits of a 20mph speed limit
- Improved safety for vulnerable road users
- Reduction in road traffic collisions
- Encouraging active travel
- Environmental benefits
The link between speed and personal injury claims
An important consequence of road traffic collisions is the financial burden they place on individuals, insurance companies, and the healthcare system.
Personal injury claims arising from road traffic collisions have significant costs—both for those involved in the collisions and for society.
National Claims’ provisional data shows a concerning trend in June 2024 for personal injury claims related to road traffic collisions.
The UK experienced a 12% rise in reported road traffic collisions in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Fatal collisions saw a 7% increase, while serious injuries climbed by 15%.
In the year ending June 2024, there were 128,920 casualties of all severities in Great Britain, a decline of 4% compared to the year ending June 2023, according to Government figures.
The rising number of such claims indicates injuries sustained in collisions, whether serious or minor, are a significant burden. These claims typically stem from incidents where speed and driver behaviour contribute to the severity of the collision.
When vehicles are traveling at higher speeds, the force of the impact increases, making injuries more likely to be severe.
From broken bones and whiplash to more serious traumatic brain injuries, the speed at which vehicles are traveling directly correlates with the extent of the injuries. By reducing speed limits, especially on residential streets, the severity of these injuries could decrease, which would ultimately reduce the frequency and cost of personal injury claims.
Challenges and considerations for England
Although the case for a nationwide 20mph speed limit in England is compelling, a blanket approach may not be the most practical solution for every area.
Not all areas are suitable for such a drastic reduction in speed, and there are valid concerns about the impact on traffic flow, particularly in more rural areas and on major roads.
In some cases, such a change could cause delays and frustration among drivers.
Instead, England could consider introducing 20mph limits in phases, with a focus on urban areas, schools, residential roads, and locations with a history of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Conclusion
While challenges exist, the potential benefits—fewer collisions, fewer claims, and lower insurance costs—make it worth considering. If England can take the lessons learned from Wales and apply them thoughtfully, the result could be a significant reduction in personal injury claims, safer communities, and a brighter future for all road users.
If you have been involved in a road traffic collision, get in touch with our solicitors at Bolt Burdon Kemp to see how we can help.
