George Yannis and Eva Michelaraki from the PHOEBE project partner of National Technical University of Athens assessed recent literature concerning urban speed limit reduction to 30km/h and the related policy efforts of different European cities. Such assessment was also shared as a summary during a POLIS ‘safety and security working group‘ meeting in October 2024.
Road crashes cause 1.19 million deaths and over 50 million injuries annually, with speeding as the leading cause. Vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, face heightened risks due to minimal protection in collisions. Research shows that reducing speed limits to 30 km/h dramatically enhances safety, with a pedestrian’s survival likelihood rising to 90% in crashes at this speed, compared to under 50% at 50 km/h.
The study evaluates the broad impacts of implementing 30 km/h speed limits in urban areas, addressing safety, environmental, energy, traffic, and health effects. Evidence highlights a 40% reduction in fatalities, alongside decreased emissions, lower energy consumption, and improved public health through increased walking and cycling. This aligns with the Vision Zero and Safe System approaches, emphasizing road systems designed to minimize human error impacts.
Despite benefits, public resistance and limited evidence on multi-parameter impacts hinder widespread adoption. Cities like Glasgow have embraced 30 km/h limits as part of comprehensive safety strategies, achieving lower fatality rates. This study provides a framework for assessing such limits’ multifaceted advantages, emphasizing their potential to create safer, healthier, and more livable urban environments while supporting global road safety goals.
Besides the fact that the PHOEBE project supports this cause, further safety implementations and infrastructure solutions, such as physically separated bicycle lanes and secure road crossings, are essential tools to enhance VRU safety.