Assembly Members debate whether we should increase the number of 20mph zones in built-up areas. Campaigners say it could lead to fewer people being killed on our roads, as well as benefiting the environment.
Should there be more 20 miles-per-hour zones across Wales' towns and cities?
Some AMs were proposing just that in a debate in the Assembly this afternoon - with campaigners saying it would significantly reduce the number of pedestrians killed on our roads.
Joanna Simpson reports.
They could save lives, cut pollution, and encourage us to walk or cycle more. But extending 20 miles-an-hour zones across Wales is not universally welcomed.
Assembly Members are debating the issue at the Senedd today.
Our Correspondent Joanna Simpson reports.
Matt Hemsley, from sustainable transport charity Sustrans ,says the the Assembly should make the introduction of more speed restrictions part of future policy.
"Slower speeds limits really encourage people to get out and walk and cycle, which is really good for their health" he says.
"Fast-moving traffic in communities really puts people off".
The RAC caution that blanket 20 mph zones should not be introduced. Instead they say that the limits should only be put in place in accident black spots, busy urban sections and near schools.
– David Bizley, RAC Technical DirectorIt would be wholly inappropriate to introduce more 20 mph speed limits unless the conditions and traffic levels warranted it. There is a need to balance road safety considerations with the need to maintain the free flow of traffic in urban areas and common sense needs to be applied in each local situation to determine the appropriate speed limit.
Transport charity, Sustrans Cymru, say that lower speed limits should become widespread.
– Mark Hemsley, Sustrans CymruWidespread 20 mph limits in our communities have been shown to reduce accidents and increase levels of walking and cycling, helping us all to lead healthier lives
The National Assembly will debate whether to increase the number of 20mph zones in Wales.
21% of people killed or seriously injured in accidents are pedestrians and campaigners say this figure would be reduced with slower speed limits.