Wales’ 20mph speed limits lead to drop in claims for car crashes

Vehicle damage claims have dropped in Wales since 20mph speed limits were introduced.

That was according to insurance firm esure, which said that the restrictions were “clearly having an impact”.

Wales was one of the first countries in the world – and the first nation in the UK – to introduce legislation for a default 20mph speed limit.

Following its implementation in September 2023, esure said it had seen a 20% reduction in damage claims.

Rob Clark, head of motor underwriting, said: “We can see a clear drop in vehicle damage claims in Wales since the 20mph speed restriction was introduced in September 2023.

“During a time when we usually see these claims rise, they dropped and have continued to do so in Q1 2024. The restriction is clearly having an impact.”

Benefits

The change to 20mph speed limits applied to restricted roads, which are usually in residential or built-up areas.

Not-for-profit organisation 20’s Plenty said it was “delighted to [see] the safety benefit of fewer collisions now starting to show through”.

Founder Rod King MBE said: “This confirms on a national scale the benefits from lower speeds not only reducing casualties and danger, but also providing a benefit to drivers in reduced insurance claims.

“The reductions are both statistically significant and timely in showing the reduction in road danger from implementing 20mph limits on a national basis. We thank esure for their interest and action in identifying and demonstrating these benefits to communities and drivers.

“Statistically, some of those crashes which never happened would have resulted in death or injury for the road users involved. The national 20mph limits has already saved lives and injury. Well done Wales.”