The municipality is adjusting the speed from 50 to 30 kilometers per hour in 115 streets, for all Rotterdam residents. The main reason: traffic safety. ‘In Rotterdam, it is under enormous pressure,’ says councilor Pascal Lansink Bastemeijer (Enforcement, Public Space, and Mobility).
The number of traffic victims has been rising for years. With this measure, the municipality wants to change that. ‘If you drive slower, fewer accidents happen. And if something happens, the injuries are usually less severe,’ says the councilor. ‘Going outside should be safe for everyone. So we are going to do something about that in Rotterdam.’ Many Rotterdam residents support the plan, as research shows. ‘For many residents, safety is the most important reason,’ says behavioral scientist Inge Merkelbach. ‘At 30 kilometers per hour, the chance of fatal accidents is much smaller.’
Clear recognition
Not all streets will receive the new speed limit. ‘Some roads, like two-lane roads, feel like 50-kilometer roads,’ explains Lansink-Bastemeijer. ‘Such a measure simply does not work there.’
In the streets where the speed will be reduced, the municipality will ensure clear recognition. Think of 30 kilometers signs, raised thresholds, and markings on the street. There will also be a campaign explaining why the measure is necessary. The message: ‘Driving at 30 is for children, students, football supporters, or the elderly. If you dont do it for yourself, do it for those around you,’ says the councilor. Together we make the city safer. And if people do not adhere to the new speed limit, movable speed cameras may be installed. ‘Together with the Public Prosecution Service, we will look at where they are needed,’ says Lansink-Bastemeijer.
By neighborhood, step by step
Entrepreneur Bas Oostdijk is happy with the measure. His coffee shop Roast is located at Middellandplein. ‘Soon cars will no longer rush past my terrace. That is much more pleasant for my guests.’
The implementation will take place neighborhood by neighborhood, step by step. The first work will start before the summer in Hillegersberg-Schiebroek and Rozenburg. After the summer, the other neighborhoods will follow. The municipality will inform residents in advance by letter when a street in their area will go to 30 km/h. That is a bit of a switch, but together we make the city safer. Once a street is adjusted, the new speed applies.
Want to know more?
For more information, visit the website rotterdam.nl/30km. Link opens an external page.
On this page, you can also view a map showing all the streets where the maximum speed will be reduced to 30 kilometers per hour. Do you have questions? Call 14 010.