News

Despite long-standing recommendations to implement a 30 km/h speed limit in areas where vulnerable road users are present, many Swedish municipalities have yet to take action. Now, Folksam, together with VTI and the Swedish Transport Administration, is launching a new research project to understand the reasons behind this inaction and to provide municipalities with the evidence they need to make informed decisions.

The project, "Sustainable Speeds for Planned Mixed Traffic Interactions", funded by Skyltfonden (Swedish Transport Administration), aims to highlight the importance of maintaining safe speeds in mixed-traffic urban environments. The research will analyze existing data, conduct interviews with municipalities, and synthesize previous findings to create clear, actionable recommendations on why and how a general speed limit of 30 km/h should be introduced.

Speed – a life-saving factor
Studies from Folksam and Karlstad University show that even advanced automatic braking systems can only prevent 20–30% of collisions. At 50 km/h, the risk of fatal injuries for pedestrians increases dramatically compared to 30 km/h. Despite these facts, the implementation of 30 km/h zones has been slow, and there is a clear need for a stronger and more up-to-date knowledge base to support municipalities in their decision-making.

Key components of the project:

• Municipality interviews: Understanding the challenges municipalities face when implementing 30 km/h speed limits.
• Accident data analysis: Analyzing injury patterns, road user groups, age, and gender to identify trends.
• Recommendations for decision-makers: Summarizing research findings into practical guidance to facilitate the implementation of lower speed zones.

A matter of safety and sustainability
Creating safer traffic environments is not just about reducing accidents; it is also crucial for encouraging more people to choose active modes of transport like walking and cycling. Safe traffic environments contribute to better public health, lower environmental impact, and safer, more liveable cities for everyone.

The project runs from January 2025 to October 2025 and is expected to result in recommendations that support municipalities in their work toward achieving Vision Zero.

Project Facts:

📆 Duration: January – October 2025
💰 Budget: 281,000 SEK
🏛️ Financier: Skyltfonden, Swedish Transport Administration
🤝 Partners: Folksam, VTI, Swedish Transport Administration
📧 Contact: Anders Kullgren, Folksam (anders.kullgren@folksam.se)