{{Short description|Road speed limit}} {{Use British English|date=September 2025}} [[File:Troinex Panneau suisse 2.59.1a.jpg|thumb|Road sign for a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zone in Switzerland]]
'''{{nowrap|30 km/h}} zones''' and similar '''20 mph zones''' are speed limits used across areas of urban roads in some jurisdictions. Although these zones do have the nominal speed limit posted, speeds are generally ensured by the use of physical or psychological traffic calming measures. Limits with signs and lines only are increasingly used in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|author=Elizabeth Press |url=http://www.streetfilms.org/no-need-for-speed-20s-plenty-for-us/ |title=No Need for Speed: 20′s Plenty for Us |website=Streetfilms.org |date=2010-08-30 |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=UK Department for Transport|url= https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/setting-local-speed-limits |title=Setting Local Speed Limits |date=2013-01-01 |access-date=2015-04-28}}</ref>
==Reasons for implementation== thumb|upright=0.5|The road sign for a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} (19 mph) zone in Austria thumb|upright=0.5|The road sign for a 20 mph {{nowrap|(32 km/h)}} zone in the UK
These zones are generally introduced in residential areas as an attempt to keep road traffic speeds at a safe level. Their guiding philosophy seeks to better integrate the roadways with urban areas of bustling pedestrian activity. Streets in these zones are considered public spaces for all people except those in motor vehicles. The objective is to reduce rat running while improving the safety and standard of living in the area.
Research has shown that reducing driver speeds in built-up areas reduces injuries for all road users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The link between vehicle speed and pedestrian crash severity has been established by research studies, with crash severity increasing as a function of motor vehicle speeds.<ref>Global Road Safety Partnership, ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20140611024916/http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/43915/1/9782940395040_eng.pdf Speed management: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners]'', Geneva: Global Road Safety Partnership, 2008, p. 5.</ref> If a vehicle hits a pedestrian while travelling {{convert|15|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}, most pedestrians will survive, often sustaining only minor injuries.
Minor increases in impact speed have been shown to have a profound effect on crash severity. At {{convert|25|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}, almost all crashes result in severe injuries, and roughly half are fatal; at {{convert|40|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}, 90% of crashes are fatal. The dramatic differences in fatality rates are a key part of the theory behind 20 mph and {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zones.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FX1nAgAAQBAJ&q=%22hits+a+pedestrian+while+traveling%22 |title=Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |date=2013 |isbn=978-1-118-41859-8 |access-date=2014-08-18}}</ref> Other studies have revealed that lower speeds reduce ''community severance'' caused by high-speed roads in neighbourhoods. For example, there is more neighbourhood interaction and community cohesion when speeds are reduced to {{nowrap|30 km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshua Hart |url=http://www.walk21.com/papers/Josua_Hart.pdf |title=Driven To Excess: A Study of Motor Vehicle Impacts on Three Streets in Bristol UK |publisher=Walk21 |access-date=2011-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426002544/http://www.walk21.com/papers/Josua_Hart.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-26 }}</ref>
===Objectives=== {{unreferenced section|date=October 2025}} The objectives of the implementation of 30{{nbsp}}km/h zones are to: * Provide safe street crossings * Improve the quality of life * Increase levels of walking and cycling * Reduce obesity through increased active living * Reduce rat running and cutting through traffic * Reducing motor vehicle traffic volumes and speeds * Reduce road crash rates, injuries, and fatalities for all road users * Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise pollution * Create an area where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists coexist safely and comfortably * Develop a public space that is open and safe for everyone, including people with disabilities * Increase the space available for walking, biking, and people on the street to eat, play, and enjoy life * Provide a safe area for children in school zones * Increase the real estate values of local homes and businesses * Increase the economic vitality of the area * Strengthen the sense of community
==Benefits== Compared to normal signed but unenforced speed limits, these types of speed zones are more likely to deliver the required traffic speeds because of their traffic-calming aspects.
Reviews of formal studies in many countries have found that 20 mph zones and limits are effective in reducing accidents and injuries, traffic speed, and volume.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cairns|first1=Jo|last2=Warren|first2=Jon|last3=Garthwaite|first3=Kayleigh|last4=Greig|first4=Graeme|last5=Bambra|first5=Clare|date=2014-09-28|title=Go slow: an umbrella review of the effects of 20 mph zones and limits on health and health inequalities|journal=Journal of Public Health|volume=37|issue=3|pages=515–520|doi=10.1093/pubmed/fdu067|pmid=25266281|issn=1741-3842|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>20mph Supporting Technical Appendix Rapid Evidence Review. November 2018. Report by Atkins, AECOM, and Professor Mike Maher (UCL) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/784907/technical-appendix-4-20mph-rapid-evidence-review.pdf</ref><ref>20mph Research Study. Process and Impact Evaluation Headline Report. November 2018. Report by Atkins, AECOM, and Professor Mike Maher (UCL). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/784907/technical-appendix-4-20mph-rapid-evidence-review.pdf</ref><ref>Developing and implementing 20-mph speed limits in Edinburgh and Belfast: mixed-methods study. Ruth Jepson, Graham Baker, Claire Cleland, Andy Cope, Neil Craig, Charlie Foster, Ruth Hunter, Frank Kee, Michael P Kelly, Paul Kelly, Karen Milton, Glenna Nightingale, Kieran Turner, Andrew James Williams and James Woodcock. Public Health Research Volume 10 • Issue 9 • September 2022ISSN 2050-4381 https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/10023/26263/Jepson_2022_PHR_20mph_speed_limits_CC.pdf</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/february/new-data-shows-significant-improvements-in-road-safety-in-london-since-introduction-of-20mph-speed-limits|title=New data shows significant improvements in road safety in London since introduction of 20mph speed limits |website=Transport for London|access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> Speed limits without changes to street layout are less effective, but still have significant benefits.<ref>LUSTRE. Lower urban speed limits in Europe. What does the evidence show? May 2023. A report in three parts: Project overview report, incorporating • Development of UK policy on 20 mph speed limits, by PACTS (Evan Webster, David Davies and Margaret Winchcomb) • Summary of European speed limit case studies, by Christer Hydén, Lund University, Sweden Paper assessing the methodological quality of studies evaluating low speed limits by Dr Rune Elvik, TOI, Norway. (Appendix 1.) Meta-analysis of the effect of 20 mph speed limits in the UK by Loughborough University (A Theofilatos, M. Quddus and M Feng). (Appendix 2.) Project team: The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), Loughborough University, Lund University (Sweden), Institute of Transport Economics (Norway) and the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC). Funded by The Road Safety Trust. Published by The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) Buckingham Court 78 Buckingham Gate Westminster London SW1E 6PE UK https://www.pacts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Lustre-Report-2023-Funded-by-the-RST.pdf</ref>
Death is much less likely if a pedestrian is hit by a car travelling at 30{{nbsp}}km/h (20 mph) than at 50 km/h (30 mph) or more. The limited evidence from existing 30{{nbsp}}km/h (20 mph) schemes shows marked reductions in deaths and casualties.<ref name=":0">{{Cite report|url=https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/290/local-actions-to-reduce-health-inequalities.pdf|title=If you could do one thing..." Nine local actions to reduce health inequali|last=Dorling|first=Danny|date=January 2014|publisher=British Academy}}</ref>
==Prevalence==
===Europe=== In European countries, {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zones have been widely used. On September 1, 1992, the city of Graz, Austria, became the first European city to implement a citywide {{nowrap|30 km/h}} limit on all roads except its largest. Extensive 30 km/h zones are common throughout the Netherlands. In Switzerland, {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zones have been allowed by law since 1989 and were first established in Zürich in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/index/dav/themen_projekte/tempo_30.html |title=Tempo 30 |website=Stadt-zuerich.ch |language=de |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>
In 2017, most or all IRTAD countries had a default speed limit in urban areas of {{nowrap|50 km/h}}, with various lower speeds; for instance, in the Netherlands, 70% of the urban roads are limited to {{nowrap|30 km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/speed-crash-risk.pdf|title=Speed and Crash Risk|website=Itf-oecd.org|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
In 2013, a network of 67 European NGOs organized a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI): "30{{nbsp}}km/h – making streets liveable", which collected signatures of support for a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} speed limit as the normal limit for the European Union. {{nowrap|50 km/h}} speed limits would then become exceptions. Local authorities would be able to decide on these exceptions and set other speed limits on their street network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.30kmh.eu/|title=30kmh EN | 30km/h - making streets liveable!|website=En.30kmh.eu|access-date=19 November 2021}} {{Dead link|date=September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Streets for life |url=https://www.who.int/campaigns/un-global-road-safety-week/2021/streets-for-life |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}</ref>
In Munich, 80% of the 2,300 kilometres of urban road network have a speed limit of {{nowrap|30 km/h}} or less; the remaining roads are limited to {{nowrap|50 km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/publications/2015/regdev/1415.pdf|title=Speed limit compliance and enforcement|website=Niassembly.gov.uk|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
[[File:Zona 30 a Barcelona.jpg|thumb|upright|Zone 30 in Barcelona with a raised intersection ]] 85% of Madrid's streets are limited to {{nowrap|30 km/h}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.diariomotor.com/dgt/normativa/velocidad-30-kmh-ciudad/|title=La DGT limitará la velocidad a 30 km/h en ciudad, ¿es necesario? ¿en qué calles?|website=Diariomotor.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> In May 2021, the government of Pedro Sánchez rolled out a new regimen of speed limits that limited most urban streets to {{nowrap|30 km/h}}, some to {{nowrap|20 km/h}}, and the rest to {{nowrap|50 km/h}}, depending on the number of lanes and whether the sidewalk is physically separated from street level.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2021-05-11/in-bid-to-reduce-road-deaths-spain-rolls-out-30kmh-speed-limit-on-most-urban-streets.html|title=In bid to reduce road deaths, Spain rolls out 30km/h speed limit on most urban streets|first=José Manuel Abad|last=Liñán|date=11 May 2021|website=English.elpais.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
Lyon has the wider {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zone, with an area of {{convert|500|ha|km2|0}} across 87 km of road lanes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lyon.fr/deplacements/les-modes-doux/la-ville-aux-pietons|title=La ville aux piétons|website=Lyon.fr|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
In January 2021, Brussels enacted {{nowrap|30 km/h}} as the default maximum speed for the entire Brussels Capital Region, the largest such zone in Europe at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-16 |title=Average speed down 9% in Brussels since launch of city-wide 30 km/h limit |url=https://etsc.eu/average-speed-down-9-in-brussels-since-launch-of-city-wide-30-km-h-limit/ |access-date=2025-09-12 |website=ETSC |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Brussels Capital Region has an area of 162 km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Brussels-Capital-Region|title=Brussels-Capital Region | Population & Facts | Britannica|website=Britannica.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
thumb|right|alt=Example of road in a zone 30 in France|Entry sign for a 30 km/h zone in France.
In France, the towns with the highest length of 30 kilometre zones are Toulouse (479.5 km), Angers (461 km), Paris (396.7 km), Lorient (214.5 km), Grenoble (213.7 km), Tours (183.2 km), and Nantes (179.1 km).{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} Montpellier planned to introduce a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zone on 1 August 2021,<ref>{{cite web|title=Montpellier: la vitesse abaissée et limitée à 30 km/h dès le 1er août|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/occitanie/herault/montpellier/montpellier-la-vitesse-abaissee-et-limitee-a-30-km-h-des-le-1er-aout-2193565.html|website=France 3 Occitanie|date=27 July 2021 |language=fr-FR|access-date=2021-07-28}}</ref> and since 30 August 2021, Paris has had a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zone in most of the city except the périphérique, the boulevards des Maréchaux, and a few other streets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rtl.fr/actu/debats-societe/info-rtl-paris-depuis-le-passage-aux-30-km-h-la-vitesse-moyenne-a-diminue-de-1-8-km-h-7900174720 | title=INFO RTL - Paris: Depuis le passage aux 30 km/H, la vitesse moyenne a diminué de 1,8 km/H | date=August 2022 }}</ref>
Since 30 March 2022, Lyon has had a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} speed limit on 84% of its streets, compared to only 37% previously. This means that 610 kilometres have a {{nowrap|30 km/h}} speed limit out of a total of 627 kilometres.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/3255939-20220320-lyon-30-mars-84-rues-passeront-zone-30 | title=Le 30 mars, 84 % des rues de Lyon passeront en zone 30 | date=20 March 2022 }}</ref>
On 8 December 2023, Amsterdam implemented "30 km/u in de stad" (30 km/h in the city), expanding the areas in which 30 km/h would be the norm. However, the municipality stresses that this, for legal purposes, is not a '30 km/h zone'. (This term refers to a specifically defined sort of zone in Dutch traffic regulations, with different right-of-way rules than this "new" type of road.) <ref>{{Cite web |last=Amsterdam |title=30 km/u in de stad |url=https://www.amsterdam.nl/30-km-u-in-de-stad/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Amsterdam.nl |language=nl}}</ref>
In January 2024, Bologna enacted 30 km/h as the default maximum speed on 70% of its streets, covering around 90% of the city population.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bologna Città 30 |url=https://www.bolognacitta30.it/ |website=Bologna Città 30 |access-date=17 January 2024 |language=it-IT}}</ref>
==== United Kingdom ==== [[File:Twenty's Plenty - Speed Sign - Glasgow, Scotland.jpg|thumb|left|"Twenty's Plenty" sign in Glasgow, Scotland, 2011]] There is significant action across the UK, both by organisations and local councils, to implement more 20 mph limits and zones in local communities.<ref>{{cite web|title=20's Plenty for Us|url=https://www.20splenty.org/|website=20splenty.org|access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> 20's Plenty for Us lists populations in UK local authorities committed to wide-area 20 mph limits at over 15 million people in March 2016, with over half of the 40 largest UK urban authorities having agreed to a total 20 mph policy. Some towns define the 20 mph zone as the general speed limit across the city, with a higher speed for main roads.<ref name="racfoundation">{{cite web|url=https://www.racfoundation.org/assets/rac_foundation/content/downloadables/speed_limits-box_bayliss-aug2012.pdf|title=Speed Limits: A review of evidence|website=Racfoundation.org|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref>
=====Scotland===== In March 2018, Edinburgh implemented a citywide network of 20{{nbsp}}mph limits. Average speeds have reduced; support for 20{{nbsp}}mph is increasing, though compliance is still imperfect; casualties have fallen. There is no evidence of traffic displacement from 20{{nbsp}}mph streets to 30{{nbsp}}mph streets.<ref>Edinburgh Council 18 August 2022. Evaluation of the 20mph Speed Limit Roll Out – Three Years Post-Implementation. Paul Lawrence, Executive Director of Place. Contact: Daisy Narayanan, Senior Manager – Placemaking and Mobility https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s9840/Item%207.3%20-%20Evaluation%20of%2020mph%20with%20appendices.pdf</ref> The council of the mostly rural Scottish Borders, UK, tried a 20{{nbsp}}mph speed limit in 97 villages and towns from October 2020. Speeds reduced and remained lower for at least eight months. The largest speed reductions were in locations with higher speeds, and especially in those having mean speeds greater than 25{{nbsp}}mph before the intervention.<ref>Assessing the Impact of 20 mph Speed Limits on Vehicle Speeds in Rural Areas: The Case of the Scottish Borders. Adebola Olowosegun (Transport Research Institute, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK), Grigorios Fountas (Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Transportation and Hydraulic Engineering, School of Rural & Surveying Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.), and Adrian Davis (Transport Research Institute, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK.) Safety (journal) 2023, 9(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9030066 13 September 2023</ref>
=====Wales===== {{Main|Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022}} [[File:Start of the 20 zone at the southern end of Chapel Road, Abergavenny - geograph.org.uk - 6357016.jpg|thumb|20 mph zone in Abergavenny, Wales]]
In Wales, in September 2023, after supportive reviews of the literature,<ref>The state of the evidence on 20mph speed limits with regards to road safety, active travel and air pollution impacts A Literature Review of the Evidence Dr Adrian L Davis FFPH Adrian Davis Associates Consultant on Transport & Health Bristol, UK August 2018. [https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-08/the-state-of-the-evidence-on-20mph-speed-limits-with-regards-to-road-safety-active-travel-and-air-pollution-impacts-august-2018.pdf]</ref> commitment in the manifesto of the ruling Welsh Labour party, some years of successful pilot studies,<ref>Transport Research Institute. Technical Paper 101. The value of prevention – casualty reductions in switching from a 30mph to 20mph speed limit default in Wales. November 2022 https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/tri/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2022/11/TRI-Technical-Paper-101.The-value-of-Prevention.AD_.pdf</ref> extensive consultation,<ref>Proposal to reduce speed limit to 20mph on residential streets. Last updated: 11 March 2022. Summary of responses. https://www.gov.wales/proposal-reduce-speed-limit-20mph-residential-streets</ref><ref>Explanatory Memorandum to the Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 This Explanatory Memorandum has been prepared by the Economic Infrastructure Directorate and is laid before Senedd Cymru in conjunction with the above subordinate legislation and in accordance with Standing Order 27.1 Minister's Declaration In my view, this Explanatory Memorandum gives a fair and reasonable view of the expected impact of the Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022. I am satisfied that the benefits justify the likely costs. Julie James MS Minister for Climate Change 21 June 2022 https://senedd.wales/media/fo3ibze5/sub-ld15187-em-e.pdf</ref> supportive opinion polls,<ref>[https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-11/20mph-public-attitudes-survey-further-research.pdf Welsh Government – Public Attitudes to 20mph] gov.wales</ref><ref>A new independent public attitude survey, conducted by Beaufort Research on behalf of the Welsh Government, shows the majority of respondents support a new lower speed limit. Almost two-thirds of people surveyed said they would support a 20mph speed limit where they lived and 62% said they wanted everyone to slow down on the roads. When asked about safety, 64% of people said that 20mph speed limits "makes it safer for pedestrians"; 57% agreed that 20mph means "fewer serious collisions on the roads" and almost half (47%) thought 20mph would make it safer for cyclists. 20mph speed limit 'could save Wales £100 million in first year'. Road Safety GB. 7 November 2022 https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/20mph-speed-limit-could-save-wales-100-million-in-first-year</ref> and further consultation by local councils, a 20 mph limit was introduced as a default for residential roads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.wales/introducing-default-20mph-speed-limits|title=Introducing default 20mph speed limits | GOV.WALES|date=16 September 2023|website=www.gov.wales|access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref>{{Unbalanced opinion|date=August 2025}} Local councils, which implemented the change, were able to make exceptions where appropriate. Public Health Wales predicted that this would save up to ten lives and about two thousand serious injuries per year.<ref>We interviewed the man responsible for 20mph in Wales and he expects some roads to go back to 30mph. But Lee Waters says the policy is 'here to stay'. By Ruth Mosalski, Political Editor, Wales Online. 19:53, 26 SEP 2023 Updated17:13, 28 SEP 2023 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/interviewed-man-responsible-20mph-wales-27791459</ref>
The policy was introduced to the Senedd by a Conservative MS in 2018. It had all-party support for some years,<ref name="Shipton">Martin Shipton. Shocking Facebook posts prove 20mph row is the most toxic issue since devolution began. 24 Sep 2023 https://nation.cymru/opinion/shocking-facebook-posts-prove-20mph-row-is-the-most-toxic-issue-since-devolution-began/</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.20splenty.org/w_faq04|title=What is the democratic mandate for a national 20mph default limit in Wales?|website=20's Plenty for Us|access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref><ref>Senedd says "Twenty's Plenty". Owen Donovan. July 16, 2020 https://seneddhome.com/2020/07/senedd-says-twentys-plenty/</ref><ref>Cherry Allan. Cycling UK. Friday, 7 July 2023. Why 20 mph in Wales matters. https://www.cyclinguk.org/blog/why-20-mph-wales-matters</ref> and opinion polls continued to show majority support.<ref>Do Welsh voters support or oppose the new 20mph speed limit on roads where cars mix with pedestrians and cyclists? (16-17 September) Support 46% Oppose 34% Redfield & Wilton Strategies. 2:00 PM · Sep 20, 2023 https://twitter.com/RedfieldWilton/status/1704480530308505610/photo/1</ref> However, in 2023, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives began to claim that the policy was for a "blanket" 20 mph limit, and the issue became the "most toxic" in years.<ref name="Shipton"/> A motion of no confidence in Lee Waters, Deputy Climate Change Minister, was backed only by Conservatives and was defeated in the Senedd.<ref>Wales 20mph: No confidence vote in minister Lee Waters fails https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-66929515</ref>
In the week after implementation, analysis of in-vehicle GPS data showed that traffic speeds on urban roads in Wales reduced by 2.9 mph. Half of the drivers were sticking to the new limit, and there was a significant reduction in the length of roads where speeds were well above 24 mph.<ref>Wales 20mph. Independent analysis of vehicle speeds in the first week after the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales. Agilysis. September 2023. https://nation.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Wales-20mph-Impact-Analysis-Report.pdf</ref> Three months later, overall average speeds were 2.4 mph less than pre-implementation levels.<ref>Wales 20mph. Implementation report. Independent analysis of vehicle speeds 3 months after the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales. January 2024.</ref><ref>Revealing the impact of 20mph speed limits in Wales and the implications for enforcement. Agilysis. January 22, 2024. https://agilysis.co.uk/2024/01/22/wales-20mph-3months-on/</ref>
In June 2024, insurance company esure reported that vehicle damage claims had fallen by 20 per cent in Wales since the introduction of the 20 mph limit the previous September, during times of the year when such claims normally rise.<ref>{{cite web |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=9 June 2024 |title=Vehicle damage claims in Wales fall 20% since speed limit cut to 20mph, says insurer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/09/vehicle-damage-claims-wales-fall-20mph-speed-limit |website=theguardian.com |publisher=28 March 2025 |access-date=28 March 2025}}</ref>
===North America=== ====United States==== In the US, {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits exist along linear routes, but are slow to catch on for area-wide implementation. New York City has implemented 20 mph zones through its Neighborhood Slow Zones Program.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fried |first=Ben |url=http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/08/16/nycdot-releases-landmark-ped-safety-study-will-pilot-20mph-zones/ |title=NYCDOT Releases Landmark Ped Safety Study, Will Pilot 20 MPH Zones | Streetsblog New York City |publisher=Streetsblog.org |date=2010-08-16 |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/slowzones.shtml|title=Neighborhood Slow Zones|publisher=NYC DOT|access-date=2023-04-17}}</ref>
Ten US states already allow {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} or {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits for linear routes, as follows:
*Alaska stipulates {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits in alleys and {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} limits in business districts. *In Delaware, school zones have {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits. *Florida has school zones, which usually have {{convert|10|mph|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} limits. Most use signing and flashing yellow lights during school times, but there is debate surrounding the efficacy of these measures. *Massachusetts has set its default speed limit at {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} in the vicinity of a mobile vendor with flashing yellow lights (such as an ice cream truck) and at {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} in a school zone when children are present. *In North Carolina, the Central Business Districts (CBDs) have a statutory speed limit of {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} unless otherwise posted. They use "Reduce Speed Ahead" signage instead of the more common "Reduced Speed Ahead" signage. *In Oregon, rather than having a "when children are present" speed limit, they have a {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limit with a time-of-day system, usually school days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The speed limit is for school roads with posted speeds of {{convert|30|mph|0|abbr=on}} or below. *Pennsylvania generally uses {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits for school zones during arrival and departure times. *In Rhode Island, the default speed limit is {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} within {{convert|300|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} of a school, which starts to emulate a {{convert|20|mph|0|abbr=on}} zone but is not an area-wide speed limit. *In West Virginia, school zones have a statutory speed limit of {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}}, except for roads with a speed limit of {{convert|55|mph|0|abbr=on}} or higher, which have an advisory speed of {{convert|35|mph|0|abbr=on}} in school zones when children are present. A school zone includes {{convert|200|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} adjacent to the school (or school road) in both directions. *Wisconsin has a default speed limit of {{convert|15|mph|0|abbr=on}} in school zones, near parks with children, and in alleyways.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346.pdf |title=Chapter 346 – Rules of the Road |publisher=Wisconsin State Legislature |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>
==== Mexico ==== [[File:MX road sign SR-40.svg|thumb|100px|Mexican sign for ''Zona 30'', installed in complete streets and traffic-calmed areas.]] Mexican cities that have established {{convert|30|km/h|0|abbr=on}} zones (Zonas 30): *Monterrey, Nuevo León: in Barrio Antiguo<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.multimedios.com/telediario/local/declara-monterrey-zona-30-calle.html |title=Declara Monterrey Zona 30 a calle Morelos |date=20 February 2014 |publisher=Multimedios |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16}}</ref> *Guadalajara, Jalisco: in Historic Downtown<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unionjalisco.mx/articulo/2015/02/06/gobierno/guadalajara/zona-30-fue-inaugurada-en-gdl |title=Zona 30 fue inaugurada en GDL |publisher=Unión Jalisco |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717185828/http://www.unionjalisco.mx/articulo/2015/02/06/gobierno/guadalajara/zona-30-fue-inaugurada-en-gdl |archive-date=2015-07-17 }}</ref> *Zapopan, Jalisco: in Historic Downtown<ref>{{cite web |url=https://meganoticias.mx/tu-ciudad/guadalajara/noticias/item/71198-este-mes-quedara-terminada-la-zona-30-y-el-programa-mi-bici-en-zapopan.html |title=Este mes quedará terminada la Zona 30 y el programa Mi Bici en Zapopan |publisher=Meganoticias |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721000815/https://meganoticias.mx/tu-ciudad/guadalajara/noticias/item/71198-este-mes-quedara-terminada-la-zona-30-y-el-programa-mi-bici-en-zapopan.html |archive-date=2015-07-21 }}</ref> *Los Mochis, Sinaloa: in Downtown<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.debate.com.mx/losmochis/Proyecto-Zona-30-por-buen-camino-20150629-0197.html |title=Proyecto Zona 30, por buen camino |publisher=El Debate |language=es |access-date=2015-07-16}}</ref> *Puebla, Puebla: in Historic Downtown<ref>{{cite web |author1=Secretaría de Movilidad |title=Estrategia de pacificación: Zona 30 del Centro Histórico |url=https://gobiernoabierto.pueblacapital.gob.mx/transparencia_file/semovi/2019/77.fracc41/77.41.pacificacion.ch.pdf |access-date=14 April 2025 |language=Spanish |format=PDF}}</ref>
=== Oceania === ==== Australia ==== {{see also|Speed limits in Australia#30km/h urban speed limit}}
thumb|100px|In Australia, an area in which all streets are 30 km/h is called a 30 km/h area
* Residential streets of Melbourne suburbs Fitzroy and Collingwood are zoned {{nowrap|30 km/h}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/news/2019/12/18/yarra-council-recommends-maintaining-30kmh-limit|title=Yarra Council recommends maintaining 30km/h limit | Yarra City Council|website=Yarracity.vic.gov.au|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> After implementation, community support from those living or working in the affected area jumped from 47% to 68%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.victoriawalks.org.au/Assets/Files/Safer-speeds-evidence.pdf |title=Safer speeds on local streets: Evidence summary |publisher=Victoria Walks |isbn=978-0-6453693-5-9 |author1=Burtt, D |author2=Eady, J |author3=Glenn, E |author4=Rossiter, B |author5=Oulton, G |date=March 2025 |page=8 }}</ref> * Liebig Street in Warrnambool is zoned {{nowrap|30 km/h}}.<ref>[https://www.victoriawalks.org.au/Assets/Files/Speed-Limits-Position-1.3.pdf "Safer Urban Speed Limits Position Statement"] (page 12) | Retrieved August 2022</ref> * Sydney CBD's only {{nowrap|30 km/h}} street is Druitt Street, next to Town Hall station. Other {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zones in Sydney include Centennial Park, Bicentennial Park, and the Botanic Gardens.{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}} * On 11 July 2020, the Northern Beaches Council reduced the speed limit of Manly's town centre to {{nowrap|30 km/h}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/manly-cuts-speeds-to-30km-h-to-become-nsw-s-slowest-suburb-20200709-p55amd.html|title=Manly cuts speeds to 30km/h to become NSW's slowest suburb|first=Julie|last=Power|date=10 July 2020|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> Liverpool city centre in Sydney's southwest followed suit on 17 July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au/story/6825417/30-is-the-new-40-new-reduced-speed-zone-for-liverpool/|title=30 is the new 40: New reduced speed zone for Liverpool|first=Chris|last=Boulous|date=9 July 2020|website=Liverpoolchampion.com.au|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> * In June 2024, Parker Street, the main thoroughfare in Cootamundra within NSW, implemented a 30 km/h speed zone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au/2024/05/22/30km-h-speed-limit-for-parker-street-cootamundra/ |title=30km/h Speed Limit for Parker Street Cootamundra |publisher=Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) |access-date=20 August 2024}}</ref>
As of July 2024, there were no more than 15 locations of 30km/h zones in NSW. There was 44km of 30 km/h zones in the city (Sydney) as of March 2024.<ref>{{cite letter |url=https://walksydney.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/25T-1226-Information-for-release-06.05-Redacted.pdf#page=24 |author=Transport Media |page=24 |recipient=Steven Issa, Julie Sundkvist, Sally Webb, Emma Shearer |subject=RE: City of Sydney local roads speed limits |date=2024-07-10 }} {{cite web |url=https://walksydney.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/25T-1226-Decision-Redacted.pdf |title=Notice of decision on your access application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) (25T-1226) |date=2025-05-06 |author=Melissa Armstrong }} ''25T-1226 - Reports, briefings, internal assessments in relation to 30km/h speed limits - City of Sydney ''<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/about-us/access-to-information/disclosure-logs |title=Disclosure Logs |publisher=Transport for NSW }} </ref>
==== New Zealand ==== thumb|right|Signs and markings entering the central city 30km/h zone in Christchurch, New Zealand * A number of suburban shopping areas around Wellington have had {{nowrap|30 km/h}} limits since ca. 2010. * In the Wellington Central Business District, {{nowrap|30 km/h}} limits will be put in place from the end of July 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lgwm.nz/lgwm-news/wellington-to-have-30-kmh-speed-limit-in-the-central-city-by-end-of-july |title=Wellington to have 30 km/h speed limit in the central city by end July|publisher=Let's Get Wellington Moving|access-date=2012-06-11}}</ref> * The central area of New Plymouth was converted to {{nowrap|30 km/h}} in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7197557/New-speed-limit-comes-into-force |title=New speed limit comes into force|date=July 2012|publisher=Taranaki Daily News |access-date=2012-07-01}}</ref> * The town centre of Blenheim was reduced to {{nowrap|30 km/h}} in August 2014. * A {{nowrap|30 km/h}} zone was introduced in central Christchurch in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-search/show/329 |title=Speed limit changes for Central City|date=29 February 2016|publisher=Christchurch City Council |access-date=2016-03-01}}</ref> * A series of neighbourhood greenways in Christchurch have had {{nowrap|30 km/h}} limits applied to them, including Papanui Parallel, Uni-Cycle, Quarrymans Trail, Rapanui/Shag Rock, and Heathcote Expressway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccc.govt.nz/transport/cycling/major-cycle-routes/cycle-routes/ |title=13 Major Cycle routes|publisher=Christchurch City Council |access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref> * A growing number of central city main streets in various New Zealand cities have been converted to {{nowrap|30 km/h}}, including Queen St (Auckland), Victoria St (Hamilton), and George St (Dunedin). * The beachside area of Mt Maunganui in Tauranga has been {{nowrap|30 km/h}} since August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11032564 |title=Mount Maunganui's new speed limit: 30 km/h|publisher=Bay of Plenty Times |access-date=2011-06-22}}</ref> The city centre of Tauranga was also reduced to {{nowrap|30 km/h}} in October 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/council-news-and-updates/latest-news/artmid/456/articleid/2874 |title=30km/h speed limit for Tauranga city centre|publisher=Tauranga City Council |access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref> * In Auckland, {{nowrap|30 km/h}} speed limits were introduced in July 2017 for the Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2017/07/wynyard-quarter-and-viaduct-harbour-now-30km-hr/ |title=Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour now 30km/hr|publisher=Auckland Council |access-date=2017-08-27}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:30 km h zone}} Category:Traffic calming Category:Traffic law Category:Road speed limit