Municipalities and cities should be able to implement speed reductions for schools, hospitals, etc. more easily in the future. The federal government has reached agreement on a corresponding amendment to the Road Traffic Act (StVO), which will be discussed on Wednesday. Its entry into force is scheduled for the summer of 2024.
The city center is clearly a very dangerous place. Last year, 5,000 traffic accidents occurred on municipal roads, killing 80 people. The danger must now be reduced by amending the StVO.
Mayors are given a free hand
In the future, the mayors will have free rein over where in the area the speed will be limited to 30 km/h. Although it is already possible for municipalities to lower the speed limit to 30 instead of 50 in the area, this required overcoming a number of bureaucratic hurdles and drawing up extensive reports.
“This amendment will make it easier for mayors in the future to develop and implement tailor-made solutions on the ground,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP).
School streets can be constructed
In the future, the responsible road authority in local areas will be able to reduce the speed limit in areas with a special need for protection – for example for schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, recreational facilities, hospitals or retirement homes. There will also be the option to set up school streets, comparable to a meeting zone.
Green Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler emphasized that noise pollution and emissions would be reduced. It is scheduled to come into effect in the summer of 2024. “Lower speeds mean more safety and quality of life for the local population,” says Gewessler.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
