Cut speed limits to 30kph in town

CAMPAIGNERS CALL FOR EUROPE-WIDE CHANGES TO REDUCE DRIVING SPEEDS, IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND CUT POLLUTION CAMPAIGN groups in France and across the European Union are demanding speed limits in

towns be reduced to 30kph from the present 50kph. They have launched a petition for one million signatures, saying “A town at 30kph is safer and a more pleasant place to live.” The move

comes after plans were revealed yesterday that called for speeds on the Paris Périphérique to be cut to 70kph and for polluting vehicles to be barred from town centres. See story: Town

centres shut for polluting cars In France, the campaign is called “30km/h: Give life back to our streets” and has already attracted nearly 12,000 signatures. Campaigners say that at 30kph

road safety is much improved and both noise and pollution are reduced. Children will also be able to move about safely in the centre of towns. Drivers will have more time to see what is

happening around them and their stopping distance is reduced. At 30kph a car will stop on dry roads in 13m – including 8.3m reaction time – while at 50kph it is 28m, including 14m reaction

time. Supporters say it will also cut traffic jams. The aim is to get the overall town speed limit set at 30kph and councils would have to allow exceptions; for cross routes, for example.

Find more information: on the French campaign at 30km/h – redonnons vie à nos rues! or (in English) European Citizen´s Initiative "30kmh – making streets liveable!"