Why did Rome lower its city centre speed limit?

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Rome Implements 30 km/h Speed Limit in City Centre to Enhance Road Safety

Rome has officially lowered its maximum speed limit in the city centre to 30 kilometres per hour (km/h), a measure designed to significantly reduce traffic accidents and ultimately achieve zero road fatalities. This new regulation primarily affects the historic core of the Italian capital, along with certain wider streets within the central area. The decision stems from studies indicating that a lower speed limit directly correlates with a decrease in the danger and severity of collisions.
Reducing Accident Severity and Fatalities

The primary objective behind Rome's adoption of a 30 km/h speed limit is to mitigate the impact of traffic accidents. Transportation department head Eugenio Patanè highlighted that research consistently demonstrates how reducing vehicle speeds to this level lessens both the likelihood and the severity of accidents. This approach is crucial for protecting all road users, particularly those who are more vulnerable, by narrowing the speed differential between them and faster-moving vehicles, thereby decreasing the risk of death in the event of a collision.
Adapting to Increased Pedestrian Activity

An increase in pedestrian numbers in recent years has necessitated a re-evaluation of urban mobility strategies in Rome. This rise in people navigating the city on foot, potentially influenced by tourism, requires new safety measures to accommodate diverse road users. The speed reduction aims to create a safer environment by ensuring that vehicles travel at speeds more compatible with pedestrian presence, reducing the potential for conflict and injury.
Addressing Urban Congestion and Benchmarking Against Other Cities

Rome's decision also comes in the context of significant urban congestion. The city was ranked 17th among the world's busiest cities, with residents spending an average of approximately 76 hours in traffic jams last year. This underscores the need for comprehensive traffic management solutions. Furthermore, Rome's move follows the precedent set by Bologna, which became the first major Italian city to implement a 30 km/h urban speed limit in 2024 (excluding expressways). Bologna reported no pedestrian fatalities in the first year of its regulation, offering a positive case study for the potential effectiveness of such measures.

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Why did Rome lower its city centre speed limit?

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