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{{Short description|Road speed limit}}
The '''30 kph Zone,''' or 20&nbsp;mph Zone, is a form of urban intervention where an area is designated with a 30 kilometer per hour (kph) limit, or 20 mile per hour (mph) limit. Note that 30 kph equals 19&nbsp;mph, but 20&nbsp;mph is more commonly used. The 20 mile per hour zone can be through [[Traffic sign|signing]] and/or through physical [[traffic calming]] measures.<ref>{{cite web|author=Elizabeth Press |url=http://www.streetfilms.org/no-need-for-speed-20s-plenty-for-us/ |title=No Need for Speed: 20′s Plenty for Us |publisher=Streetfilms |date=2010-08-30 |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>
[[File:Vorschriftszeichen 11a.svg|thumb|100px|The road sign for a 30&nbsp;km/h zone in Austria]]
[[File:UK traffic sign 674.svg|thumb|100px|The road sign for a 20&nbsp;mph zone in the UK]]


'''30&nbsp;km/h zones''' (30 [[kilometres per hour]] zones) and the similar '''20&nbsp;mph zones''' (20 [[miles per hour]] zones) are forms of speed management used across areas of urban roads in some jurisdictions. The nominal maximum speed limits in these zones are {{convert|30|km/h}} and {{convert|20|mph}} respectively. Although these zones do have the nominal speed limit [[Traffic sign|posted]], speeds are generally ensured by the use of [[traffic calming]] (physical or psychological) measures, though limits with signs and lines only are increasingly used in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|author=Elizabeth Press |url=http://www.streetfilms.org/no-need-for-speed-20s-plenty-for-us/ |title=No Need for Speed: 20′s Plenty for Us |website=Streetfilms.org |date=2010-08-30 |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=UK Department for Transport|url= https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/setting-local-speed-limits |title=Setting Local Speed Limits |date=2013-01-01 |access-date=2015-04-28}}</ref>
==Disadvantages==
Some research points out that simply signing streets has little effect in slowing speeds. Moreover, more comprehensive measures such as implementing vertical and horizontal [[traffic calming]] measures and new roadway surfacing such as the brick surfacing so common in [[Dutch]] 30 kph zones can be cost-prohibitive for communities with limited resources.


==Reasons for implementation==
==Advantages==
Research has shown that reducing driver speeds in built-up areas reduce injuries for all road users, including [[motorists]], [[bicyclists]], and [[pedestrians]]. Aside from safety benefits, bicyclists and pedestrians tend to be more comfortable and more prevalent in areas with 20&nbsp;mph speeds. Other studies have revealed that lower speeds reduce community severance caused by high speed roads. Research has shown that there is more neighborhood interaction and community cohesion when speeds are reduced to 20&nbsp;mph.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshua Hart |url=http://www.walk21.com/papers/Josua_Hart.pdf |title=Driven To Excess: A Study of Motor Vehicle Impacts on Three Streets in Bristol UK |publisher=www.walk21.com |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>


[[File:Cusset - D 186 Rue Jean-Baptiste Bru.JPG|thumb|right|alt=Example of road in a zone 30 in France|Entry in a zone 30 in France.]]
==Safety affects of lower speeds==
These zones are generally introduced in areas, particularly residential areas, in an attempt to keep road traffic speeds down to a safe level. The philosophy behind such zones is that the streets in the zone are [[public space]], and they seek to help strike a balance between the realities of an urban area bustling with pedestrian activity and the circulatory function of the [[roadways]]. Streets in these zones are considered to be a space for people who live, work, play and study in the area, while people who cross the zone to get somewhere else are excluded. The theory is to reduce [[rat running]] while improving the safety and quality of life in the area.
The link between vehicle speed and pedestrian crash severity has been established by research studies, with crash severity increasing as a function of motor vehicle speeds. If a vehicle hits a pedestrian while traveling 15&nbsp;mph, most pedestrians will survive a crash, often sustaining only minor [[injuries]]. Minor increases in impact speed have been shown to have a profound effect on crash severity. At 25&nbsp;mph, almost all crashes result in severe injuries and roughly half are [[fatal]]; and at 40&nbsp;mph, fully 90% of crashes are [[fatal]]. The dramatic differences in fatality rates are a key part of the theory behind 20&nbsp;mph zones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/pedbike/06125/ref.cfm |title=References - Pedestrian and Bicyclist Intersection Safety Indices, November 2006 - FHWA-HRT-06-125 |publisher=Fhwa.dot.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>


Research has shown that reducing driver speeds in built-up areas reduce injuries for all road users, including [[motorists]], [[bicyclists]], and [[pedestrians]]. The link between vehicle speed and pedestrian crash severity has been established by research studies, with [[Traffic collision|crash]] severity increasing as a function of motor vehicle speeds.<ref>Global Road Safety Partnership, ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20140611024916/http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/43915/1/9782940395040_eng.pdf Speed management: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners]'', Geneva: Global Road Safety Partnership, 2008, p. 5.</ref> If a vehicle hits a pedestrian while traveling {{convert|15|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}} most pedestrians will survive a crash, often sustaining only minor [[injuries]]. Minor increases in impact speed have been shown to have a profound effect on crash severity. At {{convert|25|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}, almost all crashes result in severe injuries and roughly half are fatal; and at {{convert|40|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}, fully 90% of crashes are fatal. The dramatic differences in fatality rates are a key part of the theory behind 20&nbsp;mph and 30&nbsp;km/h zones.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FX1nAgAAQBAJ&q=%22hits+a+pedestrian+while+traveling%22 |title=Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |date=2013 |isbn=978-1-118-41859-8 |access-date=2014-08-18}}</ref> Other studies have revealed that lower speeds reduce ''community severance'' caused by high speed roads in neighbourhoods, i.e. there is more neighborhood interaction and community cohesion when speeds are reduced to 30&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshua Hart |url=http://www.walk21.com/papers/Josua_Hart.pdf |title=Driven To Excess: A Study of Motor Vehicle Impacts on Three Streets in Bristol UK |publisher=[[Walk21]] |access-date=2011-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426002544/http://www.walk21.com/papers/Josua_Hart.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-26 }}</ref>
==Philosophy==
The driving philosophy behind a 20&nbsp;mph zone is that it considers the streets in the zone to be a [[public space]] that seeks to strike a balance between the realities of an urban area bustling with pedestrian activity and the circulatory function of the [[roadways]]. It is considered to be a space for people who live, work, play and study in the area, not for people who cross the zone to get somewhere else. The theory is to reduce rat running while improving the safety and quality of life in the area.


===Objectives===
The objectives of the implementation of a 20&nbsp;mph Zone are:
The objectives of the implementation of zones are to help:
* Provide safe street crossings
* Provide safe street crossings
* Improve the quality of life
* Improve the quality of life
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* Increase real estate values of local homes and businesses
* Increase real estate values of local homes and businesses
* Increase the economic vitality of the area
* Increase the economic vitality of the area
* Strengthen the sense of community
* Strengthen the sense of community <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/ |title=20's Plenty for Us |publisher=20splentyforus.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>

==Benefits==
Compared to normal signed but unenforced speed limits, these type of speed zone generally deliver the required traffic speeds because of their traffic calming aspects.

Reviews of formal studies in many countries have found that 20&nbsp;mph zones and limits are effective in reducing accidents and injuries, traffic speed and volume.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cairns|first1=Jo|last2=Warren|first2=Jon|last3=Garthwaite|first3=Kayleigh|last4=Greig|first4=Graeme|last5=Bambra|first5=Clare|date=2014-09-28|title=Go slow: an umbrella review of the effects of 20 mph zones and limits on health and health inequalities|journal=Journal of Public Health|volume=37|issue=3|pages=515–520|doi=10.1093/pubmed/fdu067|pmid=25266281|issn=1741-3842|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>20mph Supporting Technical Appendix Rapid Evidence Review. November 2018. Report by Atkins, AECOM, and Professor Mike Maher (UCL) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/784907/technical-appendix-4-20mph-rapid-evidence-review.pdf</ref><ref>20mph Research Study. Process and Impact Evaluation Headline Report. November 2018. Report by Atkins, AECOM, and Professor Mike Maher (UCL). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/784907/technical-appendix-4-20mph-rapid-evidence-review.pdf</ref><ref>Developing and implementing 20-mph speed limits in Edinburgh and Belfast: mixed-methods study. Ruth Jepson, Graham Baker, Claire Cleland, Andy Cope, Neil Craig, Charlie Foster, Ruth Hunter, Frank Kee, Michael P Kelly, Paul Kelly, Karen Milton, Glenna Nightingale, Kieran Turner, Andrew James Williams and James Woodcock. Public Health Research Volume 10 • Issue 9 • September 2022ISSN 2050-4381 https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/10023/26263/Jepson_2022_PHR_20mph_speed_limits_CC.pdf</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/february/new-data-shows-significant-improvements-in-road-safety-in-london-since-introduction-of-20mph-speed-limits|title=New data shows significant improvements in road safety in London since introduction of 20mph speed limits |website=Transport for London|access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> Speed limits without changes to street layout are less effective, but still have significant benefits.<ref>LUSTRE. Lower urban speed limits in Europe. What does the evidence show? May 2023. A report in three parts:
Project overview report, incorporating
• Development of UK policy on 20 mph speed limits, by PACTS (Evan Webster,
David Davies and Margaret Winchcomb)
• Summary of European speed limit case studies, by Christer Hydén, Lund
University, Sweden
Paper assessing the methodological quality of studies evaluating low speed limits by Dr
Rune Elvik, TOI, Norway. (Appendix 1.)
Meta-analysis of the effect of 20 mph speed limits in the UK by Loughborough
University (A Theofilatos, M. Quddus and M Feng). (Appendix 2.)
Project team: The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS),
Loughborough University, Lund University (Sweden), Institute of Transport Economics
(Norway) and the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).
Funded by The Road Safety Trust.
Published by The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS)
Buckingham Court
78 Buckingham Gate
Westminster
London SW1E 6PE
UK
https://www.pacts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Lustre-Report-2023-Funded-by-the-RST.pdf</ref>

Death is much less likely if a pedestrian is hit by a car travelling at 30 km/h (20&nbsp;mph) than at 50 km/h (30&nbsp;mph) or more. The limited evidence from existing 30 km/h (20&nbsp;mph) schemes shows marked reductions in deaths and casualties.<ref name=":0">{{Cite report|url=https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/290/local-actions-to-reduce-health-inequalities.pdf|title=If you could do one thing..." Nine local actions to reduce health inequali|last=Dorling|first=Danny|date=January 2014|publisher=British Academy}}</ref>


==Prevalence==
==Prevalence==
[[File:Zona 30 a Barcelona.jpg|thumb|Zone 30 in Barcelona]]
In European countries 30 kph zones have been used widely. On September 1, 1992, the city of [[Graz]], [[Austria]], became the first [[European]] city to implement a city-wide 30kph limit on all roads except its largest. Significant 30 kph zones are ubiquitous across the [[Netherlands]] and are gaining popularity in the [[UK]]. In [[Switzerland]] 30 kph zones have been allowed by law since 1989 and they were first established in [[Zurich]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/index/dav/themen_projekte/tempo_30.html |title=Tempo 30 |publisher=www.stadt-zuerich.ch |language=German |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>
To date, the popularity of 20&nbsp;mph zones in the [[United Kingdom]] has not yet caught on in the [[United States]]. By one estimate, some 3 million people live in areas with 20&nbsp;mph speed limits in the [[UK]]. Outside of [[Europe]], the traffic calmed zones are catching on but slowly. [[Mexico City]] is considering a proposal for a one square kilometer “Zona 30” area in a central part of the city known as La [[Colonia Roma]]. In the US, 20&nbsp;mph speed limits exist along linear routes, but are slow to catch on for area-wide implementation. [[New York City]] is leading the way with neighborhood-scale 20&nbsp;mph zones and is currently re-engineering 60 miles of streets per year for conversion to 20&nbsp;mph zones.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fried |first=Ben |url=http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/08/16/nycdot-releases-landmark-ped-safety-study-will-pilot-20mph-zones/ |title=NYCDOT Releases Landmark Ped Safety Study, Will Pilot 20 MPH Zones &#124; Streetsblog New York City |publisher=Streetsblog.org |date=2010-08-16 |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>


===Europe===
Ten [[US states]] already allow 15&nbsp;mph or 20&nbsp;mph speed limits for linear routes, as follows:
In European countries 30&nbsp;km/h zones have been used widely. On September 1, 1992, the city of [[Graz]], [[Austria]], became the first [[Europe]]an city to implement a citywide 30&nbsp;km/h limit on all roads except its largest. Significant 30&nbsp;km/h zones are ubiquitous across the [[Netherlands]]. In [[Switzerland]] 30&nbsp;km/h zones have been allowed by law since 1989 and they were first established in [[Zürich]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/index/dav/themen_projekte/tempo_30.html |title=Tempo 30 |website=Stadt-zuerich.ch |language=de |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>


In 2017, most of all [[IRTAD]] countries have a default speed limit in urban areas of 50&nbsp;km/h, with various lower speeds, for instance, in the Netherlands, 70% of the urban roads are limited to 30&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/speed-crash-risk.pdf|title=Speed and Crash Risk|website=Itf-oecd.org|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
[[Alaska]] stipulates 15&nbsp;mph speed limits in alleys and 20&nbsp;mph limits in business districts.


A network of 67 European NGOs organised a [[European Citizens' Initiative]] (ECI) "30kmh - making streets liveable" collected signatures of support for a 30&nbsp;km/h speed limit as the normal limit for the [[European Union]]. 50&nbsp;km/h speed limits would then become exceptions. Local authorities would be able to decide on these exceptions and set other speed limits on their street network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.30kmh.eu/|title=30kmh EN &#124; 30km/h - making streets liveable!|website=En.30kmh.eu|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
In [[Delaware]] school zones have 20&nbsp;mph speed limits.


In Munich 80% of the 2,300 kilometers of urban road network have a speed limit of 30&nbsp;km/h or less, remaining roads are limited at 50&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/publications/2015/regdev/1415.pdf|title=Speed limit compliance and enforcement|website=Niassembly.gov.uk|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
[[Florida]] has school zones which usually have 10&nbsp;mph to 20&nbsp;mph limits. Most use signing and flashing yellow lights during school times, but there is debate surrounding the efficacy of these measures.


85% of Madrid's streets are limited to 30&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.diariomotor.com/dgt/normativa/velocidad-30-kmh-ciudad/|title=La DGT limitará la velocidad a 30 km/h en ciudad, ¿es necesario? ¿en qué calles?|website=Diariomotor.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> In May 2021 the government of [[Pedro Sánchez]] rolled out a new regimen of speed limits that limits most urban streets to 30&nbsp;km/h, some to 20&nbsp;km/h and the rest to 50&nbsp;km/h depending on the number of lanes and whether the sidewalk is physically separated from street level.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2021-05-11/in-bid-to-reduce-road-deaths-spain-rolls-out-30kmh-speed-limit-on-most-urban-streets.html|title=In bid to reduce road deaths, Spain rolls out 30km/h speed limit on most urban streets|first=José Manuel Abad|last=Liñán|date=11 May 2021|website=English.elpais.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
[[Massachusetts]] has set their default speed limit at 15&nbsp;mph in the vicinity of a mobile vendor with flashing yellow lights (such as an Ice Cream Truck) and at 20&nbsp;mph in a school zone when children are present.


Lyon has the wider 30&nbsp;km/h zone, with an area of 500 hectares (or 5 square kilometers) covering 87&nbsp;km of road lanes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lyon.fr/deplacements/les-modes-doux/la-ville-aux-pietons|title=La ville aux piétons|website=Lyon.fr|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
In [[North Carolina]], the Central Business Districts (CBDs) have a statutory speed limit of 20&nbsp;mph unless otherwise posted. They use "Reduce Speed Ahead" signage instead of the more common "Reduced Speed Ahead" signage.


in January 2021 Brussels enacted 30&nbsp;km/h as the default maximum speed for the entire [[Brussels Capital Region]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://city30.brussels/basics|title=City 30 Brussels |publisher=city30.brussels |language=en |access-date=2021-01-05}}</ref> The authorities{{who|date=November 2021}} claim that this is the largest 30&nbsp;km/h zone to date. According to sources{{which|date=November 2021}} the area of the Brussels capital area is 162&nbsp;km².<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Brussels-Capital-Region|title=Brussels-Capital Region &#124; Population & Facts &#124; Britannica|website=Britannica.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
In [[Oregon]], rather than having a “when children are present” speed limit, they have a 20&nbsp;mph speed limit with a time-of-day system, usually school days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The speed limit is for school roads with posted speeds of 30&nbsp;mph or below.


In France, town with most zone 30 kilometers are: Toulouse: 479,5&nbsp;km, Angers: 461&nbsp;km, Paris: 396,7&nbsp;km, Lorient: 214,5&nbsp;km, Grenoble: 213,7&nbsp;km, Tours: 183,2&nbsp;km et Nantes: 179,1&nbsp;km.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}
[[Pennsylvania]] generally uses 15&nbsp;mph speed limits for school zones during arrival and departure times.


[[Montpellier]] starts with 30&nbsp;km/h zone on 1 August 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=Montpellier: la vitesse abaissée et limitée à 30 km/h dès le 1er août|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/occitanie/herault/montpellier/montpellier-la-vitesse-abaissee-et-limitee-a-30-km-h-des-le-1er-aout-2193565.html|website=France 3 Occitanie|date=27 July 2021 |language=fr-FR|access-date=2021-07-28}}</ref>
In [[Rhode Island]] the default speed limit is 20&nbsp;mph within 300 feet of a school, which starts to emulate a 20&nbsp;mph zone but is not an area-wide speed limit.


Since 30 August 2021, Paris has 30&nbsp;km/h zone on most of the city except périphérique, boulevards des Maréchaux and few other streets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rtl.fr/actu/debats-societe/info-rtl-paris-depuis-le-passage-aux-30-km-h-la-vitesse-moyenne-a-diminue-de-1-8-km-h-7900174720 | title=INFO RTL - Paris: Depuis le passage aux 30 km/H, la vitesse moyenne a diminué de 1,8 km/H | date=August 2022 }}</ref>
In [[West Virginia]] school zones have a statutory speed limit of 15&nbsp;mph, except for roads with a speed limit of 55&nbsp;mph or higher, which have an advisory speed of 35&nbsp;mph in school zones when children are present. A school zone includes 200 feet adjacent to the school (or school road) in both directions.


Since Wednesday 30 March 2022, Lyon has 30&nbsp;km/h speed limit on 84% of its streets against only 37% previously. this means that 610 kilometres have a 30&nbsp;km/h speed limit out of a total of 627 kilometres.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/3255939-20220320-lyon-30-mars-84-rues-passeront-zone-30 | title=Le 30 mars, 84 % des rues de Lyon passeront en zone 30 | date=20 March 2022 }}</ref>
[[Wisconsin]] has a default speed limit of 15&nbsp;mph in school zones, near parks with children, and in alleyways.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346.pdf |title=Chapter 346 &ndash; Rules of the Road |publisher=Wisconsin State Legislature |accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>


In January 2024 [[Bologna]] enacted 30 km/h as the default maximum speed on 70% of its streets, covering around 90% of the city population.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bologna Città 30 |url=https://www.bolognacitta30.it/ |website=Bologna Città 30 |access-date=17 January 2024 |language=it-IT}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}


==== United Kingdom ====
[[Category:Traffic law]]
There is significant action across the UK, both by organisations and local councils, to implement more 20&nbsp;mph limits and zones in local communities.<ref>{{cite web|title=20's Plenty for Us|url=http://www.20splenty.org/|website=20splenty.org|access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> 20's Plenty for Us list populations in [[UK]] local authorities committed to wide-area 20&nbsp;mph limits at over 15 million people at March 2016, with over half of the largest UK 40 urban authorities having agreed a Total 20&nbsp;mph policy. Some towns define the 20&nbsp;mph zone as the general speed limit across the city, with a higher speed for main roads.<ref name="racfoundation">{{cite web|url=http://www.racfoundation.org/assets/rac_foundation/content/downloadables/speed_limits-box_bayliss-aug2012.pdf|title=Speed Limits: A review of evidence|website=Racfoundation.org|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>


In March 2018, [[Edinburgh]] implemented a citywide network of 20mph limits. Average speeds have reduced; support for 20mph is increasing, though compliance is still imperfect; casualties have fallen. There is no evidence of displacement of traffic from 20mph streets to 30mph streets.<ref>Edinburgh Council 18 August 2022. Evaluation of the 20mph Speed Limit Roll Out – Three Years Post-Implementation. Paul Lawrence, Executive Director of Place. Contact: Daisy Narayanan, Senior Manager – Placemaking and Mobility https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s9840/Item%207.3%20-%20Evaluation%20of%2020mph%20with%20appendices.pdf</ref>
==International==
The council of the mostly-rural [[Scottish Borders]], UK, tried a 20 mph speed limit in 97 villages and towns from October 2020. Speeds reduced, and remained lower for at least eight months. The largest speed reductions were in locations with higher speeds, and especially in those having mean speeds greater than 25 mph before the intervention.<ref>Assessing the Impact of 20 mph Speed Limits on Vehicle Speeds in Rural Areas: The Case of the Scottish Borders. Adebola Olowosegun (Transport Research Institute, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK), Grigorios Fountas (Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Transportation and Hydraulic Engineering, School of Rural & Surveying Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.), and Adrian Davis (Transport Research Institute, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK.) [[Safety (journal)]] 2023, 9(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9030066 13 September 2023</ref>


In [[Wales]] in September 2023, after supportive reviews of the literature,<ref>The state of the evidence on 20mph speed limits with regards to road safety, active travel and air pollution impacts
[http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_30 Zone 30 (French)]
A Literature Review of the Evidence
Dr Adrian L Davis FFPH
Adrian Davis Associates
Consultant on Transport & Health
Bristol, UK
August 2018. [https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-08/the-state-of-the-evidence-on-20mph-speed-limits-with-regards-to-road-safety-active-travel-and-air-pollution-impacts-august-2018.pdf]</ref> commitment in the manifesto of the ruling [[Welsh Labour]] party, after some years of successful pilot studies,<ref>Transport Research Institute. Technical Paper 101. The value of prevention – casualty reductions in switching from a 30mph to 20mph speed limit default in Wales. November 2022 https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/tri/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2022/11/TRI-Technical-Paper-101.The-value-of-Prevention.AD_.pdf</ref> extensive consultation,<ref>Proposal to reduce speed limit to 20mph on residential streets. Last updated:
11 March 2022. Summary of responses. https://www.gov.wales/proposal-reduce-speed-limit-20mph-residential-streets</ref><ref>Explanatory Memorandum to the Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales)
Order 2022
This Explanatory Memorandum has been prepared by the Economic Infrastructure Directorate and is laid before Senedd Cymru in conjunction with the above subordinate legislation and in accordance with Standing Order 27.1
Minister's Declaration
In my view, this Explanatory Memorandum gives a fair and reasonable view of the expected impact of the Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022. I am satisfied that the benefits justify the likely costs.
Julie James MS
Minister for Climate Change
21 June 2022 https://senedd.wales/media/fo3ibze5/sub-ld15187-em-e.pdf</ref> supportive opinion polls,<ref>[https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-11/20mph-public-attitudes-survey-further-research.pdf Welsh Government – Public Attitudes to 20mph] gov.wales</ref><ref>A new independent public attitude survey, conducted by Beaufort Research on behalf of the Welsh Government, shows the majority of respondents support a new lower speed limit. Almost two-thirds of people surveyed said they would support a 20mph speed limit where they lived and 62% said they wanted everyone to slow down on the roads. When asked about safety, 64% of people said that 20mph speed limits "makes it safer for pedestrians"; 57% agreed that 20mph means "fewer serious collisions on the roads" and almost half (47%) thought 20mph would make it safer for cyclists. 20mph speed limit 'could save Wales £100 million in first year'. Road Safety GB. 7 November 2022 https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/20mph-speed-limit-could-save-wales-100-million-in-first-year</ref> and further consultation by local councils, a 20mph limit was introduced as a default for residential roads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.wales/introducing-default-20mph-speed-limits|title=Introducing default 20mph speed limits &#124; GOV.WALES|date=16 September 2023|website=www.gov.wales|access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> Local councils, which implemented the change, were able to make exceptions where appropriate. [[Public Health Wales]] predicted that this would save up to ten lives and about two thousand serious injuries per year.<ref>We interviewed the man responsible for 20mph in Wales and he expects some roads to go back to 30mph. But Lee Waters says the policy is 'here to stay'. By Ruth Mosalski, Political Editor, Wales Online. 19:53, 26 SEP 2023 Updated17:13, 28 SEP 2023 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/interviewed-man-responsible-20mph-wales-27791459 </ref>


The policy was introduced to the [[Senedd]] by a Conservative MS in 2018. It had all-party support for some years,<ref name="Shipton">Martin Shipton. Shocking Facebook posts prove 20mph row is the most toxic issue since devolution began. 24 Sep 2023 https://nation.cymru/opinion/shocking-facebook-posts-prove-20mph-row-is-the-most-toxic-issue-since-devolution-began/</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.20splenty.org/w_faq04|title=What is the democratic mandate for a national 20mph default limit in Wales?|website=20's Plenty for Us|access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref><ref>Senedd says "Twenty's Plenty". Owen Donovan. July 16, 2020 https://seneddhome.com/2020/07/senedd-says-twentys-plenty/</ref><ref>Cherry Allan. Cycling UK. Friday, 7 July 2023. Why 20 mph in Wales matters. https://www.cyclinguk.org/blog/why-20-mph-wales-matters </ref> and opinion polls continued to show majority support.<ref>Do Welsh voters support or oppose the new 20mph speed limit on roads where cars mix with pedestrians and cyclists? (16-17 September) Support 46% Oppose 34% Redfield & Wilton Strategies. 2:00 PM · Sep 20, 2023 https://twitter.com/RedfieldWilton/status/1704480530308505610/photo/1</ref> However, in 2023, the leader of the [[Welsh Conservatives]] began to claim that the policy was for a "blanket" 20mph limit, and the issue became the "most toxic" in years.<ref name="Shipton"/> The Senedd's petition site recorded over 450,000 signatures to a request for the policy of "reducing to 20mph EVERWHERE" to be stopped.<ref>We want the Welsh Government to rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law. Created by Mark Baker. Accessed 29 September 2023.</ref> A [[motion of no confidence]] in [[Lee Waters]], Deputy Climate Change Minister, was backed only by Conservatives and was defeated in the Senedd.<ref>Wales 20mph: No confidence vote in minister Lee Waters fails https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-66929515</ref>
[http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_30 Zona 30 (Italian)]


In the week after implementation, analysis of in-vehicle GPS data showed that traffic speeds on urban roads in Wales reduced by 2.9mph. Half of the drivers were sticking to the new limit and there was a significant reduction in the length of roads where speeds are well above 24 miles per hour.<ref>Wales 20mph. Independent analysis of vehicle speeds in the first week after the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales. Agilysis. September 2023. https://nation.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Wales-20mph-Impact-Analysis-Report.pdf</ref> Three months later, overall average speeds were 2.4mph less than pre-implementation levels.<ref>Wales 20mph. Implementation report. Independent analysis of vehicle speeds 3 months after the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales. January 2024.</ref><ref>Revealing the impact of 20mph speed limits in Wales and the implications for enforcement. Agilysis. January 22, 2024. https://agilysis.co.uk/2024/01/22/wales-20mph-3months-on/</ref>
[http://du.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_30 Tempo-30-Zone (German)]


===United States===
[http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_km/h-zone 30 km/h-zone (Dutch)]
In the US, {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits exist along linear routes, but are slow to catch on for area-wide implementation. [[New York City]] has implemented 20&nbsp;mph zones through its Neighborhood Slow Zones program.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fried |first=Ben |url=http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/08/16/nycdot-releases-landmark-ped-safety-study-will-pilot-20mph-zones/ |title=NYCDOT Releases Landmark Ped Safety Study, Will Pilot 20 MPH Zones &#124; Streetsblog New York City |publisher=Streetsblog.org |date=2010-08-16 |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/slowzones.shtml|title=Neighborhood Slow Zones|publisher=NYC DOT|access-date=2023-04-17}}</ref>

Ten [[US states]] already allow {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} or {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits for linear routes, as follows:

*[[Alaska]] stipulates {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits in alleys and {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} limits in business districts.
*In [[Delaware]] school zones have {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits.
*[[Florida]] has school zones which usually have {{convert|10|mph|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} limits. Most use signing and flashing yellow lights during school times, but there is debate surrounding the efficacy of these measures.
*[[Massachusetts]] has set their default speed limit at {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} in the vicinity of a mobile vendor with flashing yellow lights (such as an Ice Cream Truck) and at {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} in a school zone when children are present.
*In [[North Carolina]], the Central Business Districts (CBDs) have a statutory speed limit of {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} unless otherwise posted. They use "Reduce Speed Ahead" signage instead of the more common "Reduced Speed Ahead" signage.
*In [[Oregon]], rather than having a "when children are present" speed limit, they have a {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limit with a time-of-day system, usually school days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The speed limit is for school roads with posted speeds of {{convert|30|mph|0|abbr=on}} or below.
*[[Pennsylvania]] generally uses {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits for school zones during arrival and departure times.
*In [[Rhode Island]] the default speed limit is {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} within {{convert|300|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} of a school, which starts to emulate a {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} zone but is not an area-wide speed limit.
*In [[West Virginia]] school zones have a statutory speed limit of {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}}, except for roads with a speed limit of {{convert|55|mph|0|abbr=on}} or higher, which have an advisory speed of {{convert|35|mph|0|abbr=on}} in school zones when children are present. A school zone includes {{convert|200|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} adjacent to the school (or school road) in both directions.
*[[Wisconsin]] has a default speed limit of {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} in school zones, near parks with children, and in alleyways.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346.pdf |title=Chapter 346 &ndash; Rules of the Road |publisher=Wisconsin State Legislature |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>

=== Mexico ===
Mexican cities which have established {{convert|30|km/h|0|abbr=on}} zones (Zonas 30):
*[[Monterrey]], [[Nuevo León]]: in [[Barrio Antiguo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multimedios.com/telediario/local/declara-monterrey-zona-30-calle.html |title=Declara Monterrey Zona 30 a calle Morelos |date=20 February 2014 |publisher=Multimedios |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16}}</ref>
*[[Guadalajara]], [[Jalisco]]: in [[Guadalajara#Historic downtown|Historic Downtown]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unionjalisco.mx/articulo/2015/02/06/gobierno/guadalajara/zona-30-fue-inaugurada-en-gdl |title=Zona 30 fue inaugurada en GDL |publisher=Unión Jalisco |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717185828/http://www.unionjalisco.mx/articulo/2015/02/06/gobierno/guadalajara/zona-30-fue-inaugurada-en-gdl |archive-date=2015-07-17 }}</ref>
*[[Zapopan]], [[Jalisco]]: in [[Zapopan#The city|Historic Downtown]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://meganoticias.mx/tu-ciudad/guadalajara/noticias/item/71198-este-mes-quedara-terminada-la-zona-30-y-el-programa-mi-bici-en-zapopan.html |title=Este mes quedará terminada la Zona 30 y el programa Mi Bici en Zapopan |publisher=Meganoticias |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721000815/https://meganoticias.mx/tu-ciudad/guadalajara/noticias/item/71198-este-mes-quedara-terminada-la-zona-30-y-el-programa-mi-bici-en-zapopan.html |archive-date=2015-07-21 }}</ref>
*[[Los Mochis]], [[Sinaloa]]: in [[Downtown]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.debate.com.mx/losmochis/Proyecto-Zona-30-por-buen-camino-20150629-0197.html |title=Proyecto Zona 30, por buen camino |publisher=El Debate |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16}}</ref>

=== Oceania ===
==== Australia ====
[[File:Australia_road_sign_R4-10_(30).svg|thumb|100px|In Australia, an area in which all streets are 30 km/h is called a 30 km/h area]]

* Residential streets of [[Melbourne]] suburbs [[Fitzroy, Victoria|Fitzroy]] and [[Collingwood, Victoria|Collingwood]] are zoned 30&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/news/2019/12/18/yarra-council-recommends-maintaining-30kmh-limit|title=Yarra Council recommends maintaining 30km/h limit &#124; Yarra City Council|website=Yarracity.vic.gov.au|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
* Leibig Street in [[Warrnambool]] is zoned 30&nbsp;km/h <ref>[https://www.victoriawalks.org.au/Assets/Files/Speed-Limits-Position-1.3.pdf "Safer Urban Speed Limits Position Statement"] (page 12) | Retrieved August 2022</ref>
* [[Sydney central business district|Sydney CBD]]'s only 30&nbsp;km/h street is Druitt Street, next to [[Town Hall railway station, Sydney|Town Hall station]]. Other 30&nbsp;km/h zones in Sydney include in the Centennial Park, Bi-centennial Park and in the Botanic Gardens.
* On 11 July 2020, [[Northern Beaches Council]] reduced the speed limit of [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly's]] town centre to 30&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/manly-cuts-speeds-to-30km-h-to-become-nsw-s-slowest-suburb-20200709-p55amd.html|title=Manly cuts speeds to 30km/h to become NSW's slowest suburb|first=Julie|last=Power|date=10 July 2020|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> [[Liverpool, New South Wales|Liverpool]] city centre in Sydney's south west followed suit on 17 July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au/story/6825417/30-is-the-new-40-new-reduced-speed-zone-for-liverpool/|title=30 is the new 40: New reduced speed zone for Liverpool|first=Chris|last=Boulous|date=9 July 2020|website=Liverpoolchampion.com.au|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
* In June 2024, Parker Street being the main thruofare in [[Cootamundra]] within NSW implemented a 30 km/h speed zone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au/2024/05/22/30km-h-speed-limit-for-parker-street-cootamundra/ |title=30km/h Speed Limit for Parker Street Cootamundra |publisher=Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) |access-date=20 August 2024}}</ref>

==== New Zealand ====
[[File:Christchurch-30kmhZone-HerefordSt.jpg|thumb|right|Signs and markings entering the central city 30km/h zone in Christchurch, New Zealand]]
* A number of suburban shopping areas around [[Wellington]] have had 30&nbsp;km/h limits since ca. 2010.
* In the Wellington Central Business District, 30&nbsp;km/h limits will be put in place from the end of July 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lgwm.nz/lgwm-news/wellington-to-have-30-kmh-speed-limit-in-the-central-city-by-end-of-july |title=Wellington to have 30 km/h speed limit in the central city by end July|publisher=Let's Get Wellington Moving|access-date=2012-06-11}}</ref>
* The central area of [[New Plymouth]] was converted to 30&nbsp;km/h in Jul 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7197557/New-speed-limit-comes-into-force |title=New speed limit comes into force|date=July 2012|publisher=Taranaki Daily News |access-date=2012-07-01}}</ref>
* The town centre of Blenheim was reduced to 30&nbsp;km/h in Aug 2014.
* A 30&nbsp;km/h zone was introduced in central [[Christchurch]] since Mar 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-search/show/329 |title=Speed limit changes for Central City|date=29 February 2016|publisher=Christchurch City Council |access-date=2016-03-01}}</ref>
* A series of [[Bicycle boulevard|neighborhood greenways]] in Christchurch have had 30&nbsp;km/h limits applied to them, including Papanui Parallel, Uni-Cycle, Quarrymans Trail, Rapanui/Shag Rock, and Heathcote Expressway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccc.govt.nz/transport/cycling/major-cycle-routes/cycle-routes/ |title=13 Major Cycle routes|publisher=Christchurch City Council |access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref>
* A growing number of central city main streets in various New Zealand cities have been converted to 30&nbsp;km/h, including Queen St ([[Auckland]]), Victoria St ([[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]), and George St ([[Dunedin]]).
* The beachside area of Mt Maunganui in [[Tauranga]] has been 30&nbsp;km/h since Aug 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11032564 |title=Mount Maunganui's new speed limit: 30 km/h|publisher=Bay of Plenty Times |access-date=2011-06-22}}</ref> The city centre of Tauranga was also reduced to 30&nbsp;km/h in Oct 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/council-news-and-updates/latest-news/artmid/456/articleid/2874 |title=30km/h speed limit for Tauranga city centre|publisher=Tauranga City Council |access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref>
* In [[Auckland]], 30&nbsp;km/h speed limits were introduced in July 2017 for the [[Wynyard Quarter]] and [[Viaduct Basin|Viaduct Harbour]] areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2017/07/wynyard-quarter-and-viaduct-harbour-now-30km-hr/ |title=Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour now 30km/hr|publisher=Auckland Council |access-date=2017-08-27}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:30 km h zone}}
[[Category:Traffic calming]]
[[Category:Traffic law]]
[[Category:Road speed limit]]

Latest revision as of 23:12, 20 August 2024

The road sign for a 30 km/h zone in Austria
The road sign for a 20 mph zone in the UK

30 km/h zones (30 kilometres per hour zones) and the similar 20 mph zones (20 miles per hour zones) are forms of speed management used across areas of urban roads in some jurisdictions. The nominal maximum speed limits in these zones are 30 kilometres per hour (19 mph) and 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) respectively. Although these zones do have the nominal speed limit posted, speeds are generally ensured by the use of traffic calming (physical or psychological) measures, though limits with signs and lines only are increasingly used in the UK.[1][2]

Reasons for implementation

[edit]
Example of road in a zone 30 in France
Entry in a zone 30 in France.

These zones are generally introduced in areas, particularly residential areas, in an attempt to keep road traffic speeds down to a safe level. The philosophy behind such zones is that the streets in the zone are public space, and they seek to help strike a balance between the realities of an urban area bustling with pedestrian activity and the circulatory function of the roadways. Streets in these zones are considered to be a space for people who live, work, play and study in the area, while people who cross the zone to get somewhere else are excluded. The theory is to reduce rat running while improving the safety and quality of life in the area.

Research has shown that reducing driver speeds in built-up areas reduce injuries for all road users, including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The link between vehicle speed and pedestrian crash severity has been established by research studies, with crash severity increasing as a function of motor vehicle speeds.[3] If a vehicle hits a pedestrian while traveling 24 km/h (15 mph) most pedestrians will survive a crash, often sustaining only minor injuries. Minor increases in impact speed have been shown to have a profound effect on crash severity. At 40 km/h (25 mph), almost all crashes result in severe injuries and roughly half are fatal; and at 64 km/h (40 mph), fully 90% of crashes are fatal. The dramatic differences in fatality rates are a key part of the theory behind 20 mph and 30 km/h zones.[4] Other studies have revealed that lower speeds reduce community severance caused by high speed roads in neighbourhoods, i.e. there is more neighborhood interaction and community cohesion when speeds are reduced to 30 km/h.[5]

Objectives

[edit]

The objectives of the implementation of zones are to help:

  • Provide safe street crossings
  • Improve the quality of life
  • Increase levels of walking and cycling
  • Reduce obesity through increased active living
  • Reduce rat running and cut through traffic
  • Reducing motor vehicle traffic volumes and speeds
  • To reduce road crash rates, injuries and fatalities to all road users
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and noise pollution
  • Foment an area where pedestrians, cyclists and motorists coexist safely and comfortably
  • Develop public space that is open and safe for everyone, including people with disabilities
  • Increase the space available for walking, biking, and people on the street to eat, play and enjoy life
  • Provide a safe area for children in school zones
  • Increase real estate values of local homes and businesses
  • Increase the economic vitality of the area
  • Strengthen the sense of community

Benefits

[edit]

Compared to normal signed but unenforced speed limits, these type of speed zone generally deliver the required traffic speeds because of their traffic calming aspects.

Reviews of formal studies in many countries have found that 20 mph zones and limits are effective in reducing accidents and injuries, traffic speed and volume.[6][7][8][9][10] Speed limits without changes to street layout are less effective, but still have significant benefits.[11]

Death is much less likely if a pedestrian is hit by a car travelling at 30 km/h (20 mph) than at 50 km/h (30 mph) or more. The limited evidence from existing 30 km/h (20 mph) schemes shows marked reductions in deaths and casualties.[12]

Prevalence

[edit]
Zone 30 in Barcelona

Europe

[edit]

In European countries 30 km/h zones have been used widely. On September 1, 1992, the city of Graz, Austria, became the first European city to implement a citywide 30 km/h limit on all roads except its largest. Significant 30 km/h zones are ubiquitous across the Netherlands. In Switzerland 30 km/h zones have been allowed by law since 1989 and they were first established in Zürich in 1991.[13]

In 2017, most of all IRTAD countries have a default speed limit in urban areas of 50 km/h, with various lower speeds, for instance, in the Netherlands, 70% of the urban roads are limited to 30 km/h.[14]

A network of 67 European NGOs organised a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) "30kmh - making streets liveable" collected signatures of support for a 30 km/h speed limit as the normal limit for the European Union. 50 km/h speed limits would then become exceptions. Local authorities would be able to decide on these exceptions and set other speed limits on their street network.[15]

In Munich 80% of the 2,300 kilometers of urban road network have a speed limit of 30 km/h or less, remaining roads are limited at 50 km/h.[16]

85% of Madrid's streets are limited to 30 km/h.[17] In May 2021 the government of Pedro Sánchez rolled out a new regimen of speed limits that limits most urban streets to 30 km/h, some to 20 km/h and the rest to 50 km/h depending on the number of lanes and whether the sidewalk is physically separated from street level.[18]

Lyon has the wider 30 km/h zone, with an area of 500 hectares (or 5 square kilometers) covering 87 km of road lanes.[19]

in January 2021 Brussels enacted 30 km/h as the default maximum speed for the entire Brussels Capital Region.[20] The authorities[who?] claim that this is the largest 30 km/h zone to date. According to sources[which?] the area of the Brussels capital area is 162 km².[21]

In France, town with most zone 30 kilometers are: Toulouse: 479,5 km, Angers: 461 km, Paris: 396,7 km, Lorient: 214,5 km, Grenoble: 213,7 km, Tours: 183,2 km et Nantes: 179,1 km.[citation needed]

Montpellier starts with 30 km/h zone on 1 August 2021.[22]

Since 30 August 2021, Paris has 30 km/h zone on most of the city except périphérique, boulevards des Maréchaux and few other streets.[23]

Since Wednesday 30 March 2022, Lyon has 30 km/h speed limit on 84% of its streets against only 37% previously. this means that 610 kilometres have a 30 km/h speed limit out of a total of 627 kilometres.[24]

In January 2024 Bologna enacted 30 km/h as the default maximum speed on 70% of its streets, covering around 90% of the city population.[25]

United Kingdom

[edit]

There is significant action across the UK, both by organisations and local councils, to implement more 20 mph limits and zones in local communities.[26] 20's Plenty for Us list populations in UK local authorities committed to wide-area 20 mph limits at over 15 million people at March 2016, with over half of the largest UK 40 urban authorities having agreed a Total 20 mph policy. Some towns define the 20 mph zone as the general speed limit across the city, with a higher speed for main roads.[27]

In March 2018, Edinburgh implemented a citywide network of 20mph limits. Average speeds have reduced; support for 20mph is increasing, though compliance is still imperfect; casualties have fallen. There is no evidence of displacement of traffic from 20mph streets to 30mph streets.[28] The council of the mostly-rural Scottish Borders, UK, tried a 20 mph speed limit in 97 villages and towns from October 2020. Speeds reduced, and remained lower for at least eight months. The largest speed reductions were in locations with higher speeds, and especially in those having mean speeds greater than 25 mph before the intervention.[29]

In Wales in September 2023, after supportive reviews of the literature,[30] commitment in the manifesto of the ruling Welsh Labour party, after some years of successful pilot studies,[31] extensive consultation,[32][33] supportive opinion polls,[34][35] and further consultation by local councils, a 20mph limit was introduced as a default for residential roads.[36] Local councils, which implemented the change, were able to make exceptions where appropriate. Public Health Wales predicted that this would save up to ten lives and about two thousand serious injuries per year.[37]

The policy was introduced to the Senedd by a Conservative MS in 2018. It had all-party support for some years,[38][39][40][41] and opinion polls continued to show majority support.[42] However, in 2023, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives began to claim that the policy was for a "blanket" 20mph limit, and the issue became the "most toxic" in years.[38] The Senedd's petition site recorded over 450,000 signatures to a request for the policy of "reducing to 20mph EVERWHERE" to be stopped.[43] A motion of no confidence in Lee Waters, Deputy Climate Change Minister, was backed only by Conservatives and was defeated in the Senedd.[44]

In the week after implementation, analysis of in-vehicle GPS data showed that traffic speeds on urban roads in Wales reduced by 2.9mph. Half of the drivers were sticking to the new limit and there was a significant reduction in the length of roads where speeds are well above 24 miles per hour.[45] Three months later, overall average speeds were 2.4mph less than pre-implementation levels.[46][47]

United States

[edit]

In the US, 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limits exist along linear routes, but are slow to catch on for area-wide implementation. New York City has implemented 20 mph zones through its Neighborhood Slow Zones program.[48][49]

Ten US states already allow 15 mph (24 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limits for linear routes, as follows:

  • Alaska stipulates 15 mph (24 km/h) speed limits in alleys and 20 mph (32 km/h) limits in business districts.
  • In Delaware school zones have 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limits.
  • Florida has school zones which usually have 10 mph (16 km/h) to 20 mph (32 km/h) limits. Most use signing and flashing yellow lights during school times, but there is debate surrounding the efficacy of these measures.
  • Massachusetts has set their default speed limit at 15 mph (24 km/h) in the vicinity of a mobile vendor with flashing yellow lights (such as an Ice Cream Truck) and at 20 mph (32 km/h) in a school zone when children are present.
  • In North Carolina, the Central Business Districts (CBDs) have a statutory speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h) unless otherwise posted. They use "Reduce Speed Ahead" signage instead of the more common "Reduced Speed Ahead" signage.
  • In Oregon, rather than having a "when children are present" speed limit, they have a 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limit with a time-of-day system, usually school days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The speed limit is for school roads with posted speeds of 30 mph (48 km/h) or below.
  • Pennsylvania generally uses 15 mph (24 km/h) speed limits for school zones during arrival and departure times.
  • In Rhode Island the default speed limit is 20 mph (32 km/h) within 300 ft (90 m) of a school, which starts to emulate a 20 mph (32 km/h) zone but is not an area-wide speed limit.
  • In West Virginia school zones have a statutory speed limit of 15 mph (24 km/h), except for roads with a speed limit of 55 mph (89 km/h) or higher, which have an advisory speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) in school zones when children are present. A school zone includes 200 ft (60 m) adjacent to the school (or school road) in both directions.
  • Wisconsin has a default speed limit of 15 mph (24 km/h) in school zones, near parks with children, and in alleyways.[50]

Mexico

[edit]

Mexican cities which have established 30 km/h (19 mph) zones (Zonas 30):

Oceania

[edit]

Australia

[edit]
In Australia, an area in which all streets are 30 km/h is called a 30 km/h area

New Zealand

[edit]
Signs and markings entering the central city 30km/h zone in Christchurch, New Zealand
  • A number of suburban shopping areas around Wellington have had 30 km/h limits since ca. 2010.
  • In the Wellington Central Business District, 30 km/h limits will be put in place from the end of July 2020.[60]
  • The central area of New Plymouth was converted to 30 km/h in Jul 2012.[61]
  • The town centre of Blenheim was reduced to 30 km/h in Aug 2014.
  • A 30 km/h zone was introduced in central Christchurch since Mar 2016.[62]
  • A series of neighborhood greenways in Christchurch have had 30 km/h limits applied to them, including Papanui Parallel, Uni-Cycle, Quarrymans Trail, Rapanui/Shag Rock, and Heathcote Expressway.[63]
  • A growing number of central city main streets in various New Zealand cities have been converted to 30 km/h, including Queen St (Auckland), Victoria St (Hamilton), and George St (Dunedin).
  • The beachside area of Mt Maunganui in Tauranga has been 30 km/h since Aug 2011.[64] The city centre of Tauranga was also reduced to 30 km/h in Oct 2018.[65]
  • In Auckland, 30 km/h speed limits were introduced in July 2017 for the Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour areas.[66]

References

[edit]
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