New speed limits are expected in some European countries

The non-governmental organization the European Road Safety Council (supported by the European Commission and the European Parliament) is calling on the EU to ban speeds above 30 km/h in urban areas where drivers share the road with cyclists.

The purpose of the proposal is to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents in densely populated areas.

Reduced speed limits can also lead to increased traffic flow. ETSC recommends lowering the base speed for electric vehicles to 20 km/h and for other motor vehicles to 30 km/h.

At the same time, ETSC proposes to raise the age limit for the use of electric scooters to 16 years.

On the proposed speed limits, researchers George Yannis and Eva Michelaraki from ETSC write "Although there is a myth that a 30 km/h speed limit would lead to increased traffic congestion and increased costs, this is not supported by research".

They refer, among other things, to experiences from Switzerland, where lower speeds have resulted in less congestion and shorter journey times.

Wales also introduced a lower speed limit of 20 mph (about 32 km/h) as standard in all urban areas, which led to fewer accidents and a 20 percent reduction in injuries.

Similar initiatives already exist in several EU countries.

Denmark, for example, has a speed limit of 20 km/h for electric vehicles, while Austria has passed a law giving cities the formal option to reduce speeds to 30 km/h.

ETSC wants all EU countries to implement similar bans. In addition, the ETSC emphasizes the increased safety requirements for electric vehicles, including better braking performance, limited acceleration. /Telegraph/