Amsterdam’s 30 km/h Speed Limit Trial

Speed cameras will now be used to enforce the 30 kilometres per hour speed limit in select areas of Amsterdam. This move is aimed at enhancing road safety and promoting a more sustainable travel experience for tourists and locals alike.
Four fixed speed cameras on Stadhouderskade are set to the 30 km/h limit, with fines issued to any driver exceeding this speed. Additionally, flexible speed cameras will be deployed at various times on Postjesweg, Kattenburgerstraat, and Oostenburgergracht.
Amsterdam’s decision to lower speed limits on 80% of its streets to 30 km/h, effective December 2023, has been part of a growing global trend. Cities such as Brussels, Helsinki, and Bilbao have implemented similar measures in recent years.
The city has undertaken extensive preparations for the change, including a large-scale communication campaign with road signs, billboards, digital information systems, and educational outreach to schools. Additionally, 120 pairs of paid volunteers from Amsterdam’s PANTAR labour scheme were employed to remove 4,500 stickers from road signs at the stroke of midnight on December 7th-8th, 2023.
Researchers have found that at 30 km/h, drivers have a better overall view of the road and traffic conditions, increasing their chances of reacting in unexpected situations. Studies also show that the braking distance for a vehicle travelling at 50 km/h is 27 meters, while it is more than halved to 13 meters at 30 km/h. When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian or cyclist at 30 km/h, there is a 10% likelihood of fatality, compared to an 85% chance at 50 km/h.

As Amsterdam continues its efforts to prioritize road safety and reduce accidents, the trial of speed cameras enforcing the 30 km/h limit represents a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable travel experience for visitors.