Most cities see safety gains from lower speeds

Three-quarters of European cities have reported reductions in road deaths and injuries after lowering speed limits, according to a new Eurocities survey.

The findings, based on responses from 38 cities in 19 European countries, highlight growing momentum behind 30 km/h policies, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and school zones.

“For some time now, Bologna has been committed to improving the safety and liveability of its streets,” said Michele Campaniello, Deputy Mayor of Bologna and Chair of the Eurocities Task Force on 30km/h. “While there were initial challenges and scepticism, the results are clear: safer roads, calmer traffic and a better urban environment for everyone. These measures are making a tangible difference, and cities can learn from each other to accelerate progress towards Vision Zero.”

According to the survey, 75 percent of cities report fewer road deaths and injuries following speed reductions, while 91 percent report at least one positive impact on urban life, including lower air and noise pollution and increased use of active mobility modes.

Cities also report reductions in accidents, fatalities and serious injuries for all road users, alongside lower vehicle speeds and reduced noise pollution. Respondents reported no overall negative effects on congestion, traffic volumes or journey times, and only limited, manageable impacts on public transport.

While the results are clear, the survey highlights challenges during implementation. Forty-five percent of cities reported political opposition, while 37 percent faced public resistance. Legal and regulatory barriers affected 40 percent of cities, and nearly a third cited limited administrative capacity.

“Despite the shrinking democratic space, reduced subsidiarity, and increasing budget cuts and taxes imposed by the [former] Orbán regime, Budapest remains committed to halving fatal traffic incidents by 2030 and achieving Vision Zero by 2050,” said Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest and Vice Chair of the Eurocities Task Force on 30km/h.

However, these challenges tend to decrease once measures are in place. Political opposition drops from 45 percent during implementation to 18 percent afterwards, while public opposition falls from 37 percent to 21 percent. Legal barriers also decline significantly.

“Once people experience the benefits of safer, calmer streets, support grows quickly and resistance fades,” explained Campaniello.

Cities have generally taken a gradual and targeted approach, introducing lower limits over time and focusing on areas such as residential neighbourhoods, school streets and historic centres. More than half of cities report that over 50 percent of their road networks now operate with speed limits below 50 km/h.

The findings come as the European Commission prepares its mid-term review of the EU Road Safety Policy Framework and progress continues towards the Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths.

“Creating a more liveable environment cannot wait,” said Karácsony. “National governments and EU institutions can accelerate progress by giving municipalities clearer legal powers, stronger technical guidance, and better access to shared evidence and proven implementation models, and most importantly dedicated funding.”

Image: Alan Piscaglia | Dreamstime.com