Reform Wales has responded to the increase in deaths on Welsh roads despite Labour and Plaid Cymru’s 20mph speed limit policy.

There were 1,361 people killed or seriously injured in 2025, the highest since 2019. Wales’s default 20mph policy was introduced by Labour and Plaid as part of the cooperation agreement in late 2023.

These figures come despite Labour and Plaid repeatedly arguing that the policy was necessary to improve road safety.

Commenting Reform Wales’ Shadow Cabinet Minister for Economy and Transport, Jason O’Connell MS said: “These figures raise serious questions about Labour and Plaid’s failed approach and their justification for forcing roads down to 20mph.

“The policy has been a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money, has cost millions to implement and is set to cost up to £9 billion in damage to the Welsh economy, while costing lives. The justification has completely fallen apart, as Reform has said all along.

“Reform will scrap the default 20mph speed limits.”

Welsh Conservatives Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies has repeated his calls for Plaid Cymru’s 20mph policy to be scrapped, after data showed deaths on Welsh roads have increased.

20mph sign at Carew
20mph sign at Carew. (© Google)

Mr Davies said the statistics proved the policy, which made 20mph the default speed limit on all restricted roads in Wales, was not improving road safety.

An assessment carried out before the 20mph policy was implemented found it could cost the Welsh economy up to £9 billion.

Mr Davies said this would take money from the NHS, potentially putting lives at risk, stating: “Plaid Cymru separatists voted for the 20mph policy; despite knowing it would cost the Welsh economy up to £9 billion.

“With deaths up on Welsh roads while the policy has been in force, its road safety benefits are in serious doubt.

“Plaid must scrap the 20mph policy and fund our NHS.”