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Most residential roads in Wales could see 20mph speed limits from September next year, after proposals were backed by Senedd Members.

The Welsh Government has previously said it wants to introduce the new speed limit to improve safety and help make Welsh streets a more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians.

Currently, 2.5% of roads in Wales have 20mph limits, but this is now set to rise to 35% from next year. However, not all 30mph zones will be affected.

The Welsh Government has said it will work with highways authorities to identify potential roads where speed limits can be reduced, as well as those which will remain at 30mph.

The decision on which roads will be affected will be made by local authorities.

The reduced speed limit is currently being trialled in eight places across Wales, which has becomes the first UK nation to introduce the rollout.

The cost of implementing the changes are estimated at around £32m, but the Welsh Government says it will lead to savings of £58m over the next 30 years, due to the reduction in emergency service use and hospital admissions as a result of the changes.

The plans were originally planned to come into force from April next year, but were pushed back as it became clear more work needed to be done, a Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed.

“The evidence is clear”

Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “The evidence is clear, decreasing speeds not only reduces accidents and saves lives, but helps improve people’s quality of life – making our streets and communities a safer and more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians, whilst helping reduce our environmental impact.

“We know this move won’t be easy – it’s as much about changing hearts and minds as it is about enforcement – but over time 20mph will become the norm, just like the restrictions we’ve introduced before on carrier bag charges and organ donation.

“Once again Wales is leading the way for other UK nations to follow.”

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, gave the plans a “cautious welcome” and said: “I have had many emails and calls from residents who want the speed outside their homes reduced to 20mph. Places like Bargoed, Bedwas, Rudry and Castle View come to mind and I know many will welcome this change.”

He continued: “For those who have concerns about this, the proposals maintain the flexibility for local authorities to assess where roads may be appropriate for higher speeds, including reintroducing 30mph regulations.”

“Ludicrous”

However, Conservative Senedd Member Natasha Asghar, who represents the South Wales East region and is the Shadow Transport Minister, said she was “apprehensive” of the plans.

Ms Asghar said: “I, alongside my Welsh Conservative colleagues, are not at all against 20mph speed limits being in place outside schools, places of worship, playgrounds, and busy high streets, but a blanket rollout of 20mph is ludicrous.

“With a price tag of more than £32 million, is this really money well spent at a time when the Labour Government should be focused on tackling the big issues at hand such as the cost-of-living and our struggling health service?

“I don’t think it is, and I am sure residents across the country will be thinking the exact same.”

She continued: “Research has shown that despite the public believing the implementation would lead to them walking or cycling more, in practice active travel only increased by a small percentage.

“I am really apprehensive of introducing a blanket 20mph speed limit and believe the huge cost of the scheme outweighs the actual benefits.”