AN INSURANCE company says that vehicle damage claims have reduced by 20% since the 20mph speed limit was introduced in Wales.

The majority of residential roads throughout Wales changed from being 30mph to 20mph last September.

This was, according to the Welsh Government, to help 'save lives'.

But, the move has been heavily criticised by members of the public, politicians and more since it was introduced.

But, this week, insurance company esure has revealed that the change has led to fewer damage claims among drivers in Wales.

They say that this contrasts with England, where the company did not see a similar drop in claims.

Earlier this month, new figures revealed that the number of casualties from road traffic collisions in Wales has also reduced following the introduction of the 20mph speed limit. 

Data published by Welsh Government on Thursday (June 6) provides the total number of casualties in police recorded collisions and shows that in the last quarter of 2023 (October – December) road casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads reduced by 218, from 681 in 2022 to 463 in 2023.

Talking about the reduction in damage claims, Esure’s 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, as we did not see a similar drop in claims in England in the same period.”

20’s Plenty 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.”