20mph: Wales first UK nation to drop speed limit from 30mph

Wales has become the first country in the UK to reduce speed limits in built-up areas from 30mph to 20mph in Wales from Sunday 17 September.

Welsh ministers said a 20mph (32km/h) limit would reduce deaths and noise and encourage people to walk or cycle but it has caused controversy with some drivers.

The United Nations, environmental and road safety groups have backed the move but opposing politicians declared it a “war on motorists”.

Wales’ first minister said it would “keep people from losing their lives”.

“It’s going to take you a minute longer to make your journey, and we will save 10 people’s lives in Wales every year as a result of that one minute contribution – it doesn’t seem an unfair bargain,” said Mark Drakeford.

The law will change the speed limit on about 35% of Welsh roads where lamp-posts are no more than 200 yards (183m) apart.