THE WELSH Government has claimed that the roll out of the 20mph scheme could generate £25million over time. 

The Welsh Government's Senedd voted in favour of the scheme going ahead on Tuesday, despite a petition attracting 18,000 signatures calling for it to be scrapped.

READ MORE: Leader readers' views on 20mph zones for Welsh roads

The scheme is going to cost the government £33million to roll out in April 2023, and has led to calls from politicians for the money to be spent on things like healthcare and education. 

The Leader: North Wales Member of the Senedd, Sam Rowlands (pictured second from left) with Buckley residents campaigning for the scheme to be scrapped. North Wales Member of the Senedd, Sam Rowlands (pictured second from left) with Buckley residents campaigning for the scheme to be scrapped. (Image: Newsquest)

Asked about the costs associated with it, the Welsh Government said: "The direct financial cost is around £33 million, but improved road safety resulting from a reduction in average speeds could result in a positive financial return over 30 years of around £25 million.

"This is due to cost savings associated with reduced emergency services and hospital treatment, with savings of approximately £58 million. The policy could also create substantial wider economic benefits due to improved road safety (£1.4billion), environmental and health benefits from more active travel (£0.5billion) and further heretofore unquantified benefits from more vibrant and connected local economies."

Last week, Public Health Wales endorsed the scheme - saying it could improve health and wellbeing by reducing the number and severity of road traffic collisions, and encourage more people to cycle.