Safety for seniors: Speed ​​limit now 30 on Hartäckerstrasse!

Safety for seniors: Speed ​​limit now 30 on Hartäckerstrasse!

The debate about 30 km/h zones in Vienna is increasing. The senior citizens of the Park Residenz Döbling are particularly active and demonstrated on Wednesday together with employees and the district boss Daniel Resch (ÖVP) for more safety on Hartäckerstrasse. Their goal: The introduction of a speed limit of 30 km/h near the retirement home. “We want to be able to get into the park without fear,” emphasized the demonstrators, who, however, did not demand any traffic lights or road closures, just a reduction in the speed at the zebra crossing.

Although the City of Vienna and Wiener Linien have so far rejected this request, safety for seniors remains the top priority. “A 30 km/h speed limit would save a few seconds of time, but safety should always come first,” they argue. This concern is part of a broader discussion about the benefits of 30 km/h zones. Important points in favor of these zones are lower vehicle speeds, increasing traffic safety and an improved quality of life in urban areas, as well wien.gv.at is explained.

Benefits for residents

The city of Vienna's plans provide for all residential areas to be designated as 30 km/h zones in the future, with streets with increased traffic importance being excluded. Studies show that an 8% reduction in speed contributes significantly to safety. The stopping distance of a vehicle at 30 km/h is reduced from 40 m to just 18 m, which is particularly crucial in densely populated areas. National and international trends underpin this development: The WHO recommends a global speed limit of 30 km/h in cities. 30 km/h zones have also been introduced across the board in cities such as Paris and Freiburg, with positive effects on traffic safety and the general well-being of residents.

On juraforum.de It goes on to say that the reform of the Road Traffic Act in June 2024 will make it easier for municipalities to set up such zones. The advantages are clear: less noise, lower emissions and a higher quality of life in cities. This is offset by disadvantages such as possible economic burdens on the infrastructure and resistance from drivers.

The resistance of the Vienna Lines

Wiener Linien is skeptical about the implementation of such a speed limit. They argue that a 30 km/h speed limit would increase bus journey times. However, this view is met with resistance from those affected, who insist that safety and quality of life are more convincing arguments than saving a few minutes of time.

Overall, the current discussion shows how important it is to take the needs of residents – especially the older generation – into account. The demonstration in Döbling is an urgent appeal to the city administration to rethink its own plans towards greater security and quality of life. After all, especially in front of a retirement home, speeding 30 km/h shouldn't be a luxury, but a matter of course.