According to the results of a new study published by Eurocities on Monday 20 April, lower speed limits in cities are helping to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the roads, without increasing traffic jams or travel times.
The study, based on data from 36 towns in 19 European countries, analyses the effects of introducing 30 km/h speed limits, mainly in residential areas and around schools.
The results show that 75% of cities report a fall in the number of road deaths and injuries. In addition, 91% of them report positive effects on urban life, in particular a reduction in accidents and air and noise pollution, as well as increased use of ‘active’ modes of mobility (walking, cycling, etc.).
However, during the planning and implementation phase, almost half of the cities reported political opposition and legal and regulatory obstacles, and 37% encountered resistance from users.
Despite these initial obstacles, all the municipalities that experimented with this system decided to keep the 30 km/h limit. 65% of them encountered no obstacles once the restriction was adopted, a sign that negative political reactions and public resistance have eased in the majority of cases.
A more detailed report, analysing the survey results in greater depth, will be published by Eurocities and Cerema in June 2026.
To view the press release: https://aeur.eu/f/llz (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)