Amsterdam to reduce speed on most roads to 30 kph

Amsterdam city council is pressing ahead with plans to cut the speed limit on most roads to 30 kph at the end of next year, local media report. In total, the new limit will apply to 80% of the capital’s roads.

City research into traffic conditions found that two-thirds of Amsterdammers do not think the roads are safe. Every year around 20 people are killed in traffic accidents and 800 are injured and officials hope the speed limit reduction will cut the number of accidents by 20% to 30%.

Implementation will require changes to traffic lights and road signs on 270 kilometres of roads, officials say.

Trams will able to drive at 50 kph but buses will have to reduce their speeds unless there is enough space to develop fast bus lanes. Some roads will be reduced to 30 kph next year to give locals time to get used to the change.