Every Driver Could Save £50 if UK Adopted 20mph Speed Limit Like Wales, States Leading Insurer
The average driver may save £50 per year on their car insurance premium with 20mph zones, similar to those implemented in Wales a year ago, introduced in towns and cities across the UK. Esure, a top insurer, reports significant benefits from these limits, with a 20% decrease in car accident claims. The UK Labour government has indicated it will not replicate the former First Minister Mark Drakeford’s initiative of reducing the default 30mph speed limit to 20mph in Wales to enhance road safety. Despite controversies, the latest data indicates a notable decline in crashes post-implementation.
The Welsh Government has urged councils to reassess exempted roads for potential speed limit adjustments. The new UK Government is unlikely to follow suit but supports local authorities in implementing 20mph zones. The Welsh legislation, introduced on September 17, 2023, established a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads with exemptions at the discretion of local authorities.
- The insurance company, Esure, observed a 20% reduction in car crash claims in Wales since the nationwide 20mph limit’s implementation.
- Extending the restrictions nationwide would lead to an average savings of £50 for UK drivers.
- 20’s Plenty, a not-for-profit, advocates for a 20mph limit in residential and urban areas across the UK.
Esure’s Chief Customer Officer, Peter Martin-Simon, highlighted the benefits of 20mph zones in enhancing road safety for both drivers and pedestrians. He emphasized that the extension of these limits could lower the frequency, severity, and cost of accidents significantly. Esure previously reduced car policy premiums by 10% for Welsh drivers and actively supports the proliferation of 20mph zones.
Founder of 20’s Plenty, Rod King MBE, praised the positive impacts of lower speeds in reducing accidents and costs while underscoring the potential for reduced insurance premiums for drivers nationally. He acknowledged Esure’s efforts in showcasing the advantages of 20mph limits and called for their normalization across the UK.
The drive for 20mph speed limits reflects a broader push for safer roads and reduced accident rates, fostering a culture of responsible driving practices. While the UK government may not immediately adopt the policy, the wave of support from insurers, advocacy groups, and local authorities underscores the growing momentum for safer driving environments nationally.