Community

Two years of 20mph sees over 1,000 fewer casualties – but critics remain unconvinced

Published

3 months ago

September 17, 2025

ON the second anniversary of Wales’ default 20mph speed limit, campaigners say the policy has prevented more than 1,000 casualties on the nation’s roads.

Collision data for the first 18 months shows 882 fewer people were hurt on 20mph and 30mph roads — a 25% reduction compared with the previous year. Campaign group 20’s Plenty for Us projects the total will pass 1,000 avoided casualties by the two-year mark.

The figures suggest 14 lives have been saved and 98 serious injuries avoided since the lower limit came into force in September 2023. Motor insurers have also reported fewer claims. Esure says Welsh drivers saw premiums cut by an average of £45 last year, and claims for vehicle damage are down by around 20%.

Campaign director Adrian Berendt said: “As well as making Welsh communities safer, with over 1,000 fewer casualties, 20mph is benefitting drivers in lower insurance costs. We thank Welsh drivers who have altered their behaviour to make their communities even better places to be.”

Divisive policy

But the policy has been far from universally welcomed. A YouGov survey in 2024 found 72% of Welsh people opposed the default 20mph limit, with nearly half saying they “strongly opposed” it. Around 40% of drivers admitted they often exceeded the new limit.

The roll-out also triggered the largest petition in Senedd history, with almost 470,000 signatures calling for the measure to be scrapped. Opponents argue it amounts to a blanket restriction, slowing journeys unnecessarily and confusing motorists about where the rules apply.

Some local authorities have begun reviewing stretches of road and reverting certain routes back to 30mph following complaints.

Questions over evidence

Motoring groups including the AA and RAC have previously raised concerns about “blanket” speed limits, arguing that 20mph should be targeted around schools, housing estates and busy pedestrian areas rather than applied wholesale.

Experts also caution that while early results are encouraging, 18 months of data may not tell the full story. Road safety researchers note that other factors — including changes in travel patterns, vehicle safety improvements, and wider traffic trends — could also influence casualty numbers.

The Welsh Government’s own regulatory impact assessment estimated implementation costs at more than £30m over five years, prompting further debate over value for money.

A policy under review

Ministers insist the lower limit will save lives, cut NHS costs and encourage more walking and cycling. At the same time, they have stressed that councils can apply exemptions where 20mph is deemed unsuitable.

The Herald understands that further evaluations will be published later this year, with campaigners and critics alike watching closely to see whether the casualty reductions continue.

On the second anniversary of the introduction of Labour and Plaid Cymru’s disastrous 20mph speed limit, the Welsh Conservatives have criticised the Welsh Government’s 20mph speed limit policy, saying it has cost millions, risks billions in economic damage, and ignores overwhelming public opposition.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS said: “The Labour Welsh Government ignored the people of Wales when they forced through their disastrous 20mph speed limit and dismissed a record-breaking Senedd petition calling to scrap it.

“The rollout has already cost taxpayers £32 million, with an estimated economic hit of up to £9 billion. Labour and Plaid’s blanket 20mph speed limit has been nothing short of a disaster for Wales.

“Lower speed limits make sense outside schools, hospitals and in dangerous areas, but Labour and Plaid’s one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The Welsh Conservatives are the only party in the Senedd committed to scrapping Labour’s 20mph speed limit.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

20 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

21 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).