Roni Utriainen, a traffic engineering expert from the city’s urban environment department, told the Finnish press that this achievement was made possible by a number of factors, but speed limits are among the most important. Back in 2021, the city authorities of Helsinki introduced a speed limit of 30 km/h in residential areas and in the city center.
Compliance with the speed limit was ensured by the installation of 70 new speed cameras and a police activity strategy based on the national policy of "Vision Zero." Its goal is to achieve a zero level of injuries and fatalities resulting from traffic accidents. Data collected by the Finnish road safety agency Liikenneturva show that since then, the number of deaths resulting from traffic accidents in Helsinki has decreased.
Utriainen emphasized that the success of the mission is based on data analysis and long-term urban development strategies. In many parts of the city, roads have been narrowed, and trees have been planted in such a way as to create discomfort for drivers.
The city has also invested in new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, including an extensive network of bike paths stretching over 1500 kilometers. Additionally, Helsinki authorities have expanded the public transport network, including the construction of a new tram line funded by the European Investment Bank.
Utriainen noted that modernization has helped reduce car usage and, consequently, the number of serious accidents. According to statistics, the number of traffic accidents in the city decreased from 727 to just 14 between 2003 and 2023.
It should be added that although Helsinki is one of the smallest capitals in the EU with a population of just under 690,000, about 1.5 million people live and commute in the metropolitan area.
Source: Politico
