Mr Drakeford has claimed that the hugely controversial speed limit reduction will protect lives and save the NHS in Wales £92million a year, citing a public health study that estimated the 20mph default limit could reduce collisions by 40 per cent every year.
He also insisted that it will save six to 10 lives annually as well as 1,200 to 2,000 people avoiding injuring by making Wales's streets safer for playing, walking and cycling.
A study by Public Health Wales and
Edinburgh Napier University published last year estimated that the policy would spare the health service tens of millions of pounds a year, due to fewer deaths or injuries.
The Welsh Government confirmed the introduction will cost £32million, but said this would be outweighed by the reduced impact on the NHS and emergency services.
However, the Welsh Conservatives cited official documents warning that the policy could inflict a £9billion blow to the Welsh economy