The automotive industry is calling for a reduction in the speed limit 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, officially ‘Bicycle and Automobile Industry’, a major advocate in the mobility sector, is campaigning to lower the speed limit in built-up areas from the current 50 km/h to 30 km/h. They are supported in this by Veilig Verkeer Nederland (VVN). The RAI aims not only to increase road safety but also to combat noise pollution.
Slashing road deaths within built-up areas
Although the number of road deaths within built-up areas has decreased in recent years, the number of injuries and the total number of road casualties have increased. According to RAI chairman Steven van Eijck, this is due, alongside an increase in the total number of road users, to the explosion of e-bikes and other electric vehicles on the road.
70 percent of accidents in 30 km/h zones
Given that 70 percent of traffic accidents occur within 30-kilometre zones – and therefore ‘only’ 30 percent on roads where 50 km/h is permitted – the argument doesn't seem to help. But according to Van Eijck, that's mainly due to insufficient enforcement – and the fact that ‘we’ don't stick to the speed limit within 30-kilometre zones. He states that the new speed limit should be enforced by traffic calming measures and camera surveillance. Something that would put considerable expense on municipalities.
General speed reduction is a bit ridiculous
Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen believes, as we do, that 30-kilometre zones in residential areas are an excellent idea, but that a general speed reduction within built-up areas is not necessary. Travelling at 30 km/h over the Noorderbrug in Maastricht is a strange idea.
As far as we're concerned, it's better to consider on a case-by-case basis whether a 30 km/h or 50 km/h speed limit is more appropriate. That decision lies with local authorities, who can set up 30 km/h zones wherever they wish.
The idea behind the 30 km/h zone is that everyone – pedestrians, cyclists, motorised traffic – can safely travel from the same traffic space usage should be able to make. Why should ‘we’ trundle along at 30 km/h in areas with separate cycle paths and pavements? Or should municipalities redesignate these areas as 30 km zones? We, for one, are not keen on that. What do you think?
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