RCPCH responds to Welsh Assembly member's proposals on a 20mph speed limit

The RCPCH supports calls in the Welsh Assembly for the introduction of a 20mph speed limit in built up, residential areas in Wales.

John Griffiths AM recently tabled a debate in the Assembly on the introduction of 20mph zones, and following that has today hosted a roundtable event bringing stakeholders including the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health together for the first time in Wales to take this issue forward.

Commenting on the proposals, Dr Shabeena Webster of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:

“We’re delighted to see renewed debate about the introduction of 20mph zones in Wales as part of a range of initiatives to create safe places for children to walk, cycle and play. Implementing 20mph limits in built up areas is something we’ve long been calling for as a measure to reduce accidents and help tackle childhood obesity through promoting physical activity. It’s great to see a public conversation about speed limits and we need to make sure that child health is at the heart of that.

"We’d also be keen for a wider debate on making our roads safer considering, for example, the introduction of graduated licensing schemes for novice drivers. We want to reduce child deaths and encourage children and young people to be physically active.”