Speed limits to (mostly) drop to 30 km/h in this French city
The new measure will improve noise and pollution, improve safety and encourage cycling, say local authorities
The city will be 30 km/h zone “as a rule, with 50 km/h the exception”, the mayor said
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The city of Tours (Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire) is set to reduce all inner-city speed limits to 30 km/h from January 1, 2025 in a bid to make city transport “calmer, safer, and more peaceful”.
The speed limit will apply to all city roads, with the exception of major transit routes which will remain at 50 km/h.
Some road signs showing the higher limits have already started to be replaced in the city despite the measure only coming into force from January 1.
However the move is mainly symbolic; 80% of roads in the city already have a 30 km/h limit.
“This measure will simply complement our transport project in the city,” said Tours mayor Emmanuel Denis, to France 3.
“The idea is to make things simpler, so [drivers] no longer have to ask themselves if they are in a 30 km/h zone or not. It is reversing the rule: 30 km/h becomes the norm, and 50 km/h is the exception.”
Read also: Why has speed limit changed to 30km/h near my French home?
Read more: Speed limit set to lower to 30km/h in most of Paris from August 30
‘Safer at 30 km/h’
Local authorities say the measure will improve public road safety.
In comparison to driving at 50 km/h, a 30 km/h limit increases drivers’ field of vision, halves braking distance, and significantly reduces the impact if there is a collision, said Mr Denis, and Armelle Gallot-Lavallée, the municipal councillor responsible for road safety.
“Mortality is seven times higher at 50 km/h,” said Ms Gallot-Lavallée. “The move to a 30 km/h zone should improve the safety of the most vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists and, of course, children.”
The change is also expected to reduce noise and pollution and make the city more attractive to and “calmer” for shoppers, the councillors said.
Read more: Campaign to reduce speed limit to 30 km/h in all French towns
‘Cycling is quicker’
The new limit will also mean that cyclists feel safer, Mr Denis said. He added that the French Code de la route (road law) states that cyclists are permitted to ride in both directions on all roads that have a 30 km/h limit.
“In the city, any journey of less than six kilometres is quicker by bike,” said Ms Gallot-Lavallée.
“Motorists make the mistake of thinking they can save time with their car, so we can only hope that some of them will decide to opt for a bicycle.”
