Protest Group Asks ‘Where Did the Data Go?’ After Latest 20mph Statistics Appear to have Data Missing

Last week, the Welsh Government released the latest road incidents data, claiming that the number of serious casualties or fatalities on 20 or 30mph roads has dropped by 23% in the first three months of 2024, after the default 20mph speed limit was introduced.

However all may not be as it appears, with a protest group raising concerns about what it says is ‘missing data’.

United Voices – Senedd Lobby Group was established in 2023 to monitor and protest against the impact of the 20mph legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account.  Members of the group come from across Wales.

The group say that the release of the latest road incidents data appears to be incomplete, making it impossible for any like for like comparisons and they say they are concerned that their claims may be wholly inaccurate.

A spokesman for the group said:

“While this report has been welcomed by Welsh Government, and we now hear them congratulating each other on their successful implementation, the data provided is incomplete making it impossible to compare like with like.

“However, what we can see from the data provided is a clear increase in serious injuries across all speeds combined for the first 6 months of data available and an increase in deaths for the first quarter on all roads for the first quarter.  Unfortunately, equivalent data has not been provided with the recent release for the second quarter.

“The Welsh Government need to explain to the Welsh tax payer how this fits in with their claims that the restricted roads legislation will save the NHS £92 million per year. Data relating to the categories of road users injured and killed on all roads has also been omitted and we question the Government as to why?”

“We still suspect that this is a smoke screen for the real reason behind the legislation and would welcome clarification from the Welsh Government and Ken Skates MS  (Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport) on the emphasis they are putting on meeting their agenda as set out in the Welsh Transport Delivery Plan.

The spokesman continued:

“The promised benefits to the environment did not happen either.  This is illustrated by these direct quotes from the Welsh Government document:

“Introducing 20mph speed limits: frequently asked questions”.  “Transport for Wales (TfW)  published the 20mph phase 1 air quality monitoring report in May 2024. The data shows no material effect on local air quality to date.”

“Furthermore, Imperial College London found that 20mph limited areas were “pollution neutral”.

“All of these are similar findings to previous experiences of 20mph implementation in other regions, research that the Government chose to ignore when deciding to implement it in Wales regardless.

“The anger and frustration regarding 20mph in Wales continues as people still feel their voice is not being heard in Welsh Government.  More protests are happening and planning is well under way for a “round Wales” convoy on 14-15 September followed by a large rally on the steps of the Senedd on 17 September when ministers return from summer recess.

Petitioner’s wife, Lisa Baker explains:

“We have heard stories of frustration and challenges across Wales and decided that a year on from the forced imposition of a default 20mph, we will drive around Wales to thank our supporters, while highlighting:

• The lack of a decent road network between North & South Wales
• Our petition with over 476,000 signatures has only been given lip service
• Our roads are in a shocking state and full of potholes
• Our M4 is not fit for purpose, with arbitrary and unnecessary speed limits which cause even more congestion
• This hinders Welsh Businesses, families and workers on a daily basis

“The round Wales event is not only a reminder that my husband, Mark Baker’s petition was signed by thousands of ordinary drivers across Wales, but it is also a chance for Mark and myself to thank the people of Wales for all their support – this will be a peaceful, happy drive touring Wales in a spirit of gratitude and appreciation of our freedom to drive.

“Many of us in Wales LOVE driving and do not want that freedom taken from us piece by piece without adequate consultation, and we feel the Government’s plans in page 45 of the Welsh Transport Delivery Plan are both undemocratic and unrealistic.”

Lisa continues:

“Constituents have not been given a chance to vote on the ULEZ-style scheme planned for Cardiff and that is undemocratic, as is the draft plan for a national road user charging scheme and restrictions on workplace parking as described on page 45 of the Welsh Government’s Transport Delivery Plan (see above).

“We were also not asked whether or not we wanted £19m of our money handed over to a Cycling Charity and spent on rural cycle lanes that few cyclists outside Cardiff want to use – they continue to cycle on the road even if there is a brand new cycle path right next to them, so what was it all supposed to achieve?

“Wales’ drivers are not the enemy, we deserve a say in our future and even though we have a Government here that is completely tone deaf in it’s determination to force drivers off our roads, we will continue to ask that they show some respect for the people who voted them in.

“I now ask the new first Minister to listen, to really listen this time and for someone in the Welsh Government have the common sense to abandon these ridiculous anti-driver measures that were not sanctioned by your constituents and are not wanted by the vast majority of the people who live here.”