Helsinki imposes lower speed limits

The aim is to cut the risk of fatality in half

Speed limits on most streets in residential areas in Helsinki have been lowered to 30km/h, announced the Municipality. The new limits came into force at the start of May, with the full roll-out expected to be completed by autumn. Lowering the speed limits is expected to result in fewer traffic-related injuries in the city. When the speed of impact with a pedestrian is lowered from 40km/h to 30km/h, the risk of fatality is cut in half.

The biggest change is a reduction of the speed limit in nearly all residential areas of the Finnish capital. Up until now, around 50% of the streets of Helsinki in residential areas are posted at 40km/h. Speed limits in the city centre will also come down to 30km/h, except on main thoroughfares and on routes to and from the city's harbours. Those will be posted at 40km/h. The current speed limist of 50km/h on Mannerheimintie will be reduced to 40km/h on the section between Finlandia Hall and Kuusitie.