Plans to expand 20mph speed limits on more UK roads are meeting opposition from drivers, according to new research. A survey conducted by insurance comparison specialists at Quotezone.co.uk revealed that 66% of participants were against lowering the limit on key 30mph roads to 20mph.

The study, which involved 1,000 British adults, found that over two-thirds (67%) believed 20mph roads were simply too slow. These results emerge amidst ongoing debates in various parts of the UK about increasing 20mph zones in an effort to enhance road safety and decrease accidents in urban areas.

Last month, the UK Government introduced a new road safety strategy with the goal of reducing deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035. The strategy disclosed that there will be a new version of the best practice guidance on setting local speed limits, indicating potential significant alterations to the default 30mph limit on urban roads.

Wales is at the forefront of adopting lower speed limits, having already enforced a default 20mph rule on residential and built-up roads. Scotland and England are following suit, with numerous regions already implementing a 20mph speed limit in urban areas.

London has made considerable headway, with lower speed limits now in force on more than half of urban roads, whilst the North West follows closely, with over 45% now set at 20mph. Whilst public opinion remains split on the measure, during the first year of the new 20mph limit, Wales recorded approximately 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured and research demonstrates that even an average speed reduction of just 1mph can reduce crash frequency by 5%.

As more roads transition to lower limits, drivers are being urged to remain vigilant to changing signage and modify their driving accordingly. Adhering to the indicated limits ensures motorists avoid fines, penalty points and potential increases 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 conclusions were drawn from a randomised survey of 1,000 participants throughout the UK during February 2026, which represents a margin of error of roughly 5% at a 95% confidence level.