Welsh road crashes rise slightly – but still below pre-20mph levels

Data released by the Welsh Government reveals there were 668 reported collisions between January and March, up 5% on the same period in 2024 but 9% lower than in 2023, before the 20mph law came into force. Fatal crashes fell slightly, from 19 last year to 16 this year.

Overall, 897 people were injured, including 250 seriously. That’s 6% more than in 2024, but still 7% fewer than two years ago. Of these casualties, 16 (2%) were killed, 250 (28%) people were seriously injured, and 631 (70%) had slight injuries.

On roads restricted to 20 and 30mph, collisions were virtually unchanged compared with last year – but casualties rose by 3%. Fatalities fell slightly, from seven to six.

When it comes to the number of crashes, there were 668 police reported road collisions in Wales in this year’s first quarter. Of these collisions, 15 (2%) were fatal, 220 (33%) were serious, and 433 (65%) were slight.

The figures come as Welsh councils begin reverting some 20mph roads back to 30mph following new government guidance. These changes, however, were not in place when the data was collected.

The 20mph law, introduced in September 2023, has split opinion across Wales. Supporters say it has saved lives, while critics argue it has caused frustration and slowed travel.

What is clear from the latest figures is that, while crashes have crept up from last year, roads remain safer than before the limit was introduced.

#20mph #RoadSaftey #WelshGovernment

Welsh parliament to consider reduced drink-drive limit and introduction of compulsory tests for drivers over 70

MPs are considering new driving measures which would see the UK fall more closely in line with other European countries which already monitor eyesight problems.

The drink-drive limit may be reduced with the new laws and drivers over the age of 70 could face mandatory tests as part of an overhaul of road safety laws.

Under the new plans, first reported in the Times, the drink-drive limit is expected to be tightened from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath to 22 micrograms.

Currently if anyone is convicted of drink driving, you can be handed a minimum driving ban of 12 months, go to prison for six months or be fined up to £5,000.

In addition, ministers are set to consider whether compulsory eye tests should be introduced every three years for drivers over the age of 70 with people to be banned from driving if they fail.

The number of drivers in Britain over the age of 60 involved in collisions where someone is killed or seriously injured has risen by a staggering 47 per cent since 2010.

The UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems that affect driving.

Under the reported plans being considered by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales will also be reduced to come into line with Scotland.

The drink-drive blood alcohol limit is currently 0.05 per cent in Scotland, compared to 0.08 per cent in England and Wales.

The proposal, which is due to be published and consulted on in Autumn, is also expected to allow police to prosecute for drug-driving based on roadside saliva tests rather than blood tests.

AA president Edmund King feels it is much overdue and said:

“We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone.

“While vision checks for older drivers could a make a real difference, failing to introduce restrictions on newly-licensed drivers transporting young people is a major oversight.

IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes also welcomed an update to the road safety strategy. He said:

“While many drivers over the age of 70 are safe and competent, health issues and confidence can have an impact on driving abilities, so it is sensible to review whether changes need to be made.

“We would also support reducing the drink-drive limit in England and Wales alongside measures to target drug-driving, however these would require significantly more backing for roads policing teams to effectively enforce new laws.”

#drinkDriving #motoringOffences #RoadSaftey

It was disheartening to see nitrous oxide canisters scattered across the car park this morning—it's chilling to imagine who might be driving after using such a substance. #RoadSaftey #RespectOurSpaces #SaturdayThoughts

South Wales Police re-launches free drinks scheme for designated drivers

The initiative, which will run over the Christmas period and until the start of January, has already seen more than 80 premises sign up.

A designated driver is someone who abstains from drinking alcohol to act as the responsible driver.

The aim of the scheme is to promote responsible drinking with road safety in mind.

Customers who make themselves known to bar staff as the designated driver – or as ‘DES’ – are then given a wristband, enabling them to receive free draught soft drinks or squash.

A spokesperson for the Police said:

“We know it can sometimes be a burden being the designated driver but we hope this scheme will encourage more people to be aware of the very serious consequences of drink driving and the importance of being safe on the roads.

“There is no way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit, since it can depend on your weight, age, metabolism, the amount of food you’ve eaten and other factors.

“It’s impossible to get alcohol out of your system quickly, it always takes time. A shower, a cup of coffee or other ways of ‘sobering up’ may make you feel better but won’t remove the alcohol from your system.

“If you’ve been out drinking, you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit.

“The biggest risk you take when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the risk of causing a collision.

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect your driving in numerous ways.

“Alcohol and drugs can also create a false confidence which can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviour, which puts your life and the lives of others in danger.”

If you are a licensed premises and are interested in joining the scheme, then please contact your local licensing team.

The full list of licensed premises signed up to the scheme for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot can be found below:

Swansea

The Hanbury, The Kingsway, city centre, SA1 5HG
Pump House, Maritime Quarter, SA1 1TT
Queens Hotel, Maritime Quarter, SA1 1TY
The Olde Cross Keys, St Mary Street, city centre, SA1 3LH
The Bryn-y-mor, Brynymor Road, Swansea, SA1 4JQ
The Mill, Brynymor Road, Swansea, SA1 4JJ
Wig & Pen, St Helen’s Road, Swansea, SA1 4BL
The Globe Inn, Glais, SA7 9EN
Old Glais Inn, Glais, SA7 9EN
The Smiths Arms, Llansamlet, SA7 9AQ
Plough & Harrow, Llansamlet, SA7 9RL
The Railway Inn, Landore, SA1 2NX
Globe Inn, Landore, SA1 2QD
Maggie’s, Brynhyfryd, SA5 9LD
Coopers Arms, Plasmarl, SA6 8JU
The Masons, Waunarlwydd SA5 4SU
Hen Dderwen, Sketty, SA2 8JH
The Dunvant, Dunvant, SA2 7SL
The Commercial, Killay, SA2 7AN
The Black Boy, Killay, SA2 7AJ
The Reverend James, Loughor, SA4 6RZ
Gower Inn, Parkmill, Gower, SA3 2EQ
King Arthur Hotel, Reynoldston, Gower, SA3 1AD
The Royal Oak, Penclawdd, SA4 3YN
The Rake and Riddle, Penclawdd, SA4 3RB

Neath Port Talbot

The Grand Hotel, Station Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1DE
Lord Caradoc, Station Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1NW
Murphys Main Stage, Station Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1JB
Bagle Brook, Baglan, SA12 8ES
The Brit, London Road, Cwmavon, SA12 9AH
The Refreshment Rooms, Cymmer, SA13 3HY
Jersey Arms, Jersey Terrace, Cwmavon, SA12 9AS
Blue Scar Welfare Club, Pontrhydyfen, SA12 9TL
Tap Room, Castle Drive, Cimla, SA11 3YF
Travellers Well, Rhyd-y-fro, Pontardawe, SA8 4SS
Memories Café bar (Old Vaughan Arms), Resolven, SA11 4NA
The Angel Inn, Pontneddfechan, SA11 5NR
Allan Leonard Lewis Bar, Orchard Street, Neath, SA11 1DT
Lamb & Flag, Wellfield Place, Glynneath, SA11 5ER
Castle Hotel, High Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4HU
Treatz Beatz, High Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4HU
Crown Inn, Neath Road, Briton Ferry, SA11 2AX
Green Dragon, Church Road, Cadoxton, SA10 8AU
Pontardawe Inn, Herbert Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4ED
Pink Geranium, Herbert Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4EB
The Ferryman, Neath Road, Briton Ferry, SA11 2AQ
The Ambassador, The Parade, Neath, SA11 1RA
Banwen RFC, Dyffryn Cellwen, SA10 9LG
Bryndulais Hotel, Church Road, Seven Sisters, SA10 9DT
Celtic Lodge, Westernmoor Road, Neath, SA11 1BZ
St Ives, Old Market Street, Neath, SA11 3NA
The Crown Inn, New Road, Skewen, SA10 6EW
Castle Hotel, The Parade, Neath, SA11 1RB
The Flying Pig, Cyfyng Road, Ystalyfera, SA9 2BS

[Lead image South Wales Police]

[Lead image: Lift Legend]

#DesignatedDriver #RoadSaftey #SouthWalesPolice

@mrhames This conpiracy theories were proudly presented by russian bots. #conspiracytheories #conspiracy
#cars #climate #RoadSaftey

In 2021 La Sécurité Routière Luxembourg sold nearly 12,000 reflective toys ➡️ http://ow.ly/oC2250LNwUm to municipalities of #Luxembourg. Clipping these to #Children's school bags and coats allows motorists to see them easily from a distance and improves #RoadSaftey.

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/ERSCharter/status/1598240742811516928

The School of the Local Police Corps in #Milan are making #RoadSaftey fun for young children with their animated series about #TrafficRules. Find out about the short series "Billo e Mariano" and access the episodes here ➡️ http://ow.ly/wQQf50LNwaK @Unasca

🐦🔗: https://nitter.eu/ERSCharter/status/1597561366373597186