A little More Explanation?

Wales introduced a residential area 20 miles per hour (mph) speed limit in 2023. It was an attempt to rebalance communities, so they were no longer dominated by cars. Will Hayward, notes that, in 9 months, it saved the country more than £45m, prevented almost 500 people being killed or injured, made residential areas more appealing (less polluted) places to live, as well as reducing car insurance premiums. The measure also continues to have the support of all Welsh emergency services. What's not to like? Strangely, the 20mph speed limit has become the most unpopular piece of law-making, in the history of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament). A petition opposing this measure, has reached almost 470,000 signatures. Hayward wonders why. He suggests that four of the main Facebook sites, opposing the change, clearly involve operatives with obvious political bias. Hayward also notes, however, that the Welsh government seem to have been short-sighted. Imposing this speed limit, cost around £32m (mainly on changed signage). Only £1.6m was spent, however, on explaining the policy to the populace (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/18/wales-20mph-speed-limit-lives-money-policy). Perhaps the Welsh government didn't think they needed to spend more money, explaining a supported manifesto commitment? They have made recent public pronouncements that, having 'listened', some roads will revert to 30mph. Hayward maintains that evidence-based policy does work. He opines, however, that you have to 'own it, explain it and stay the course'. There's always a political price to pay. In a world where facts and evidence matter less and less, this seems an important message!