However, it has proved controversial with almost 500,000 signatories to a petition calling for the policy to be scrapped.
Gwenda Owen, Cycling UK’s Wales advocacy and development lead said: “Lower speeds save lives, and 20mph is a reasonable expectation where people live, work and play, not just outside schools and hospitals.”
In February, the Welsh government Go Safe road safety partnership found 97% of the 14,874 vehicles monitored complied with the 20mph speed limit.
Ms Owen said this survey of 14,874 in February and 24,714, external in March “showed that four in five adults in Wales would support a 20mph, external speed limit in their neighbourhoods”.
“Clearly the vast majority of people recognise slower speeds are good for communities, the environment and the wellbeing of children,” she said.
Ms Owen added that the Welsh government “did the right thing, rather than the easy thing” and “urged ministers to hold their nerve for the good of Welsh communities”.