A recent survey conducted by Czech research agency Median revealed that 71% of Czechs are against implementing a 30 km/h speed limit in urban areas. The survey, commissioned by Radiožurnál and involving 1,000 respondents, found that most Czechs are satisfied with the current speed limit of 50 km/h in towns and cities, which is the highest allowed speed within urban areas.

The survey results come amidst an ongoing debate in the Czech Republic regarding road safety and environmental protection. In recent months, some environmental groups have advocated for lower speed limits and other measures to mitigate urban air pollution and noise levels. However, a significant portion of Czech citizens oppose such measures, arguing that they would lead to increased traffic congestion and longer travel times.

One of the key challenges faced by policymakers in the Czech Republic is finding a balance between safety concerns and economic and social priorities. The country currently has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities among European Union member states, prompting experts to suggest that lower speed limits could help reduce the number of accidents. However, many Czechs heavily rely on cars as their primary mode of transportation, and any measures that would lengthen travel times or increase costs are likely to be met with resistance.

In addition to speed limits, the survey also addressed the issue of charging non-residents for driving into city centers. A majority of respondents (54%) expressed opposition to such plans, while 38% supported them. Interestingly, among residents of Prague, 52% favored implementing charges for non-residents driving into specific parts of the city center.

As the debate surrounding speed limits and road safety persists, policymakers and experts are emphasizing the need for more extensive research and data to inform decision-making processes. Some have suggested that the Czech Republic could benefit from studying the experiences of other countries, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, which have successfully implemented lower speed limits and other measures to improve road safety and reduce air pollution.

Article by Prague Forum