Lowering the maximum speed in built-up areas: a good idea?

The automotive industry is advocating a reduction of the maximum speed from 50 km/h to 30 km/h in built-up areas. Is that a good idea or not?

RAI initiative, supported by VVN

The RAI Association, in full 'Rijwiel- en Automobiel Industrie', a major lobby group in the mobility sector, advocates lowering the maximum speed in built-up areas from the usual 50 km/h to 30 km/h. They are supported in this by Veilig Verkeer Nederland (VVN). The RAI not only wants to increase traffic safety, but also combat noise pollution.

Decrease in road deaths within built-up areas

Although the number of traffic fatalities within built-up areas has decreased in recent years, the number of injured and the total number of traffic victims has increased. According to RAI chairman Steven van Eijck, this is due to the explosion of e-bikes and other electric vehicles on the road, in addition to an increase in the total number of road users.

70 percent of accidents in 30 km zones

The fact that 70 percent of traffic accidents occur within 30 km/h zones – and therefore 'only' 30 percent on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h – does not seem to help the plea. But according to Van Eijck, this is mainly due to insufficient enforcement – ​​and the fact that 'we' do not keep to the speed limit in 30 km/h zones. He says that the new speed limit should be enforced by traffic calming measures and camera surveillance. Something that would drive up municipalities considerably in costs.

General speed reduction a bit ridiculous

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen thinks, just like us, that 30-kilometre zones in residential areas are a great idea, but that a general speed reduction in built-up areas is not necessary. Driving at 30 km/h over the Noorderbrug in Maastricht is a strange idea.

In our opinion, it is better to consider each situation to see whether 30 km/h or 50 km/h is a better maximum speed. That decision lies with municipalities, who can set a 30 km zone wherever they want.

The idea behind the 30 km zone is that everyone – pedestrians, cyclists, motorized traffic – can enjoy safety same traffic space should be able to use. Why should 'we' start driving 30 km/h in areas with separate cycle paths and pavements? Or should municipalities redesign these areas as 30 km zones? We don't like that at all. What do you think?

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