Proposals to expand 20mph speed limits on more UK roads could be resisted by drivers, according to newt research. A poll conducted by insurance comparison specialists at Quotezone.co.uk revealed that a hefty 66% of participants were against the idea of downgrading key 30mph roads to 20mph.
The survey, which involved 1,000 British adults, found that over two-thirds (67%) felt that 20mph roads were simply too sluggish. These results emerge amidst ongoing debates in various parts of the UK about broadening 20mph zones, with the aim of enhancing road safety and minimising accidents in urban locales.
Just last month, the UK Government unveiled a fresh road safety strategy, targeting a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65% come 2035. The strategy disclosed plans for a new edition of best practice guidance on setting local speed limits, hinting at potential significant alterations to the default 30mph limit on urban roads.
Wales is currently leading the pack in terms of embracing lower speed limits, having already enforced a standard 20mph rule on residential and built-up roads. Scotland and England are hot on its heels, with numerous regions already implementing a 20mph speed limit in urban areas.
London has made substantial headway, with reduced speed limits now implemented on over half of urban roads, whilst the North West trails closely, with more than 45% currently set at 20mph. Although public sentiment remains split on this strategy, Wales witnessed roughly 100 fewer fatalities or serious injuries during the inaugural year of its new 20mph restriction, and studies indicate that even a modest average speed reduction of merely 1mph can slash collision rates by 5%.
As an increasing number of roads adopt lower thresholds, motorists are being urged to remain vigilant regarding changing signage and modify their driving behaviour accordingly. Adhering to posted limits ensures drivers sidestep fines, penalty points and possible hikes to their insurance premiums.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “With changes to speed limits continuing to be discussed across the UK, our research suggests many motorists remain unconvinced about reducing key 30mph roads to 20mph, with concerns likely centred around journey times and practicality. That being said, evidence from Wales, for example, demonstrates that lower limits can have a positive impact on road safety, with data from the first year of implementation showing fewer people killed or seriously injured.
"Ultimately, decisions around speed limits sit with local authorities, and they must balance public sentiment with safety outcomes, congestion and the needs of different road users when assessing what's appropriate for their communities. With lower limits appearing on more roads, it's important that drivers watch for signage and adapt their speed to make sure they stay safe and avoid fines.
"From an insurance perspective, any measure that successfully reduces collisions is positive news for premium prices. Fewer accidents could lead to fewer claims and over time that has the potential to ease the pressure on car insurance costs."
Quotezone's findings were drawn from a randomised survey of 1,000 participants across the UK during February 2026, which carries a margin of error of roughly 5% at a 95% confidence level.