Skip to main content

New urban speed limits for Europe?

EU proposals have been forward suggesting tougher speed control for built-up urban areas in Europe's towns and cities. In places where there is a perceived risk from speeding, such as around schools or in town and city centres and residential areas, speed limits of 30km/h (20mph) could be imposed.
May 4, 2012 Read time: 1 min
EU proposals have been forward suggesting tougher speed control for built-up urban areas in Europe's towns and cities. In places where there is a perceived risk from speeding, such as around schools or in town and city centres and residential areas, speed limits of 30km/h (20mph) could be imposed. The decision on where to implement these 30km/h zones would be taken by local authorities and would reflect the degree of risk to children or the elderly in particular. The issue of enforcement for these residential areas has yet to be established however. it is not clear whether speed cameras or sophisticated traffic calming measures would be employed.

Related Content

  • UK average speed camera installation proving successful
    January 27, 2015
    Data from the A9 route in Scotland shows that the installation of average speed camera technology is helping cut crashes. This is Europe’s longest single enforcement scheme, with the technology having been installed along a 220km stretch of the A9 in Scotland. Figures from the route show that the average speed enforcement scheme, which uses SPECS technology supplied by Vysionics, is helping cut casualties while improving journey reliability and driver behaviour.
  • Wrong time to end right turns?
    March 15, 2024
    Banning right-hand turns after stopping for a red light is gaining momentum in the US. But debate continues about whether it will result in fewer incidents between vehicles and alternative mobility users. David Arminas reports.
  • Pan-European enforcement of driving laws due
    August 27, 2013
    Agreements are being reached that will see Pan-European enforcement of driving regulations. Drivers will now face being penalised for any offences committed in other European countries. The change is due on 7th November 2013. After this date EU Member States will commence the cross border exchange of data relating to road traffic offences. For this scheme to work, eight offences have been listed in the data exchange programme. These are; speeding, not using a seatbelt, red light running, drink driving, driv
  • Distracted driving report from European nations
    April 16, 2018
    There are now calls from right across Europe to increase education, enforcement and penalties for distracted driving. Mike Woof reports Surveys across Europe have revealed worrying attitudes to the use of mobile devices while driving, according to a report by the European Transport and Safety Commission (ETSC). Campaigners are calling for better enforcement, higher penalties, technological solutions and education to raise awareness of the risks. A survey in the Czech Republic found that 36% of drivers a