New decision

Municipalities can impose a 30 km/h speed limit more easily

In future, local authorities will be able to impose a 30 km/h speed limit with less bureaucracy.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

In future, municipalities will be able to impose 30 km/h speed limits more easily. This is provided for in a resolution to be passed in the National Council on Wednesday evening. This affects areas around schools, kindergartens, hospitals and retirement homes.

Until now, it has only been possible to impose such speed restrictions with a certain amount of bureaucracy, such as the preparation of an expert opinion. The measure is intended to increase road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Another point is that responsibility for speed cameras is to be transferred from the federal states to the municipalities. "The prerequisite for this is a transfer ordinance from the respective state. This can be issued as soon as the amendment comes into force (July 1)," the ministry announced on Wednesday.

It will be possible to impose a 30 km/h speed limit in front of schools (photo), kindergartens, hospitals and retirement homes, for example.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Will everything stay the same?
This also provides for a waiver of green flashing traffic lights at certain intersections or access roads. The SPÖ does not think the new regulations go far enough. Traffic spokesman Alois Stöger and the NEOS fear that everything will ultimately remain the same.

The Freedom Party also has concerns, although these relate to the fact that a 30 km/h speed limit could be introduced across the board. They also lack a precise definition of where the speed can be restricted. Otherwise, a mayor could also do this in front of his or her private driveway.

Greens: "Contribution to respectful coexistence"
 The coalition was again satisfied. Green transport spokesperson Herman Weratschnig spoke of an active contribution to respectful coexistence. After all, two thirds of daily traffic accidents occur in the local area. Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) sees this as an opportunity to reduce the number of accidents, air pollution and traffic noise.