However, all the above-mentioned arguments regarding the city-wide 30 km/h speed limit might be questionable only for passenger car traffic for the parts of the cities which are not densely populated and without real presence of pedestrians and cyclists. In fact, claims that 30 km/h speed limit leads to increased traffic congestion and higher congestion costs is a myth, unsupported by evidence. In urban centers, traffic flows most smoothly at speeds of 20–30 km/h. Despite shorter following distances, this speed range facilitates the entry of traffic from side streets, ensuring continuous flow. Examination of traffic patterns in Switzerland revealed that 30 km/h allowed the road system to accommodate more cars efficiently, resulting in faster overall travel times. This advantage is particularly significant in a time-sensitive world. Moreover, lower speeds lead to improved driving behavior, reducing environmental issues. Enforcing a general city-wide 30 km/h speed limit is more cost-effective than introducing it gradually. While there are initial expenses, such as adjusting traffic signals, these are outweighed by the broader costs associated with higher speeds, making it an investment in public health. Society’s initial expenditures will be recouped within a few years through substantial annual savings in reduced health expenses. For example, Switzerland estimated annual savings of 180 to 200 million Swiss Francs from implementing such measures.
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