Welsh government warned on 20mph claims
Tue, 12 Dec 2023
The Office for Statistics Regulation has written to the Welsh government to advise it on how to 'improve communication' of the country’s controversial 20mph speed limit.
This follows leaflets issued by the Welsh government earlier this year stating that the 20mph limits would only add one minute to journey times.
Head of the OSR Ed Humpherson said there was a 'lack of transparency' over this claim.
In an email to the top Welsh statistician, Stephanie Howarth, he said "it would be challenging for a reader to unpick this detailed document and understand the data and calculations used to support this claim".
He added that he did not consider the presentation of information in the leaflet 'fully aligns with our expectations for Intelligent Transparency'.
The top statistics office now wants the Welsh government to help road users to understand the impacts on journey times given the introduction of the 20mph speed limit on restricted roads.
It is urging the Welsh government to 'continue to review the evidence on journey times and cite the most appropriate evidence source when communicating the impact on journey times'.
The OSR wants Transport for Wales, in conjunction with the Welsh government, to make improvements to data and statistics on the implementation of the 20mph limit. It has recommended Transport for Wales seeks feedback as it develops the requested changes.
In response, the Welsh government said it welcomed the letter.
"The figure referred to is supported by a technical document that explains how population, car journeys and distances travelled data were used within the calculation. We have taken OSR’s advice and make this additional information available online."
What is the speed limit in Wales in posted 40mph zones?
