That is what Tempo 30 really brings

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More safety, lower exhaust emissions, less traffic noise. The proponents use these arguments when it comes to 30 km/h. The idea of ​​introducing the nationwide reduced speed limit is gaining popularity – especially in Swiss cities. They are the driving forces behind Tempo 30.

However, slowing traffic is politically controversial. In cities like Bern or Basel, which have already extended the 30 km/h limit, the bourgeoisie and the car lobby vehemently honked against it.

Also in Zurich, where the speed must be reduced to 150 kilometers over the next ten years, the FDP and SVP submitted an initiative last November against a national speed limit of 30 km/h at cantonal level.

European cities on the rise

Slower traffic, concerns about (even) more traffic jams or the additional costs for public transport are criticisms that are expressed time and time again on speed reduction.

Internationally, however, the trend is clear: several European countries and major cities are stepping on the gas when introducing speed limits. Many cities in Spain and France have had a speed limit of 30 km/h since 2020/2021. The speed reduction is also popular in Belgium, Finland and Austria.

Fewer traffic accidents

The strongest impact of this measure concerns traffic accidents. Since the introduction of the 30 km/h speed limit in 2020, there have been about 70 percent fewer deaths in French cities. In Brussels since 2021, 55 percent less. In addition, 20 percent more switched to cycling here.

Since the introduction of 30 km/h in 2020, there have been 70 percent fewer road deaths in the participating French cities and 55 percent less in Brussels since 2021. The number of cyclists increased by 20 percent in the same period.

Studies by the Accident Prevention Advisory Center also show that there are significantly fewer serious road accidents in Switzerland.

Less noise pollution

In Germany, the Federal Environmental Service has commissioned a study of the effects of a standard speed of 30 kilometers per hour on traffic, noise and air pollution in built-up areas. The results were mostly positive.

Especially on the main traffic axes in the cities, noise nuisance can be significantly reduced. On the other hand, 30 km/h has only a few effects on pollutant emissions: the CO₂According to the study, emissions were hardly affected. (Okay)

Source:Blick