In Wales thirty becomes twenty - mostly

Yesterday, the default speed limit in Wales became 20mph on restricted roads. The impression has been given, even on some BBC news bulletins, that there is a blanket limit on all Welsh highways. This is not the case. Only those roads subject to the previous limit of 30mph are affected. Indeed, local authorities have the power to vary the limit where they feel it is justified. The following message from Asthma + Lung UK puts things in perspective. 

This change could have positive effects on your lungs and well-being. Here’s some useful information why the new speed limit is being introduced. Why the Welsh Government is making this change   The new speed limit will have a number of benefits: •    It will reduce the number of collisions, reducing the impact on the NHS from treating the people who are injured. •    It will encourage more people to walk and cycle in our communities. •    It will help to improve our health and well-being. •    It will make our streets safer. •    It will safeguard the environment for future generations.   What this could mean for your lungs We already know that air pollution irritates your airways and can trigger your asthma symptoms or cause a flare-up of your lung condition. Children are more at risk than adults because their lungs are still developing. We hope that reducing speeds to 20mph near residential areas and schools will improve air quality and encourage people to walk and cycle more often. Exercise is an excellent way to improve your quality of life and help you manage your condition. We all want to walk safely and enjoy the outdoors, and slower speeds produce less noise and reduces fuel consumption. Exhaust and non-exhaust emissions are also likely to be reduced.   Protecting people's lungs from air pollution This is a great step forward in helping to protect people’s lungs from air pollution but more needs to be done. We’re continuing our fight to tackle toxic air across all of the UK. Stories about the real human impact of air pollution are much easier to connect with than facts and figures alone. Sharing your story about how air pollution affects your life could make a significant difference to our campaign – putting personal experience at the centre of the issue.

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