Keys to calming traffic in urban areas: safety, environment and efficiency

Picture a town or city where road accidents are few, the air is cleaner and people walk the streets knowing that getting around is safe and efficient.

That is the aim of many European cities which, by bringing in traffic calming measures, have improved road safety, cut deaths from accidents and encouraged a more sustainable environment. Copenhagen is a clear example: low-speed zones and better mobility management have cut pedestrian collisions by 40% in recent years.

These are, as we see it, the main keys to calming traffic in urban areas:

1. The Local Police: the backbone of traffic calming

The Local Police are central to traffic enforcement and road safety education. Their main roles include:

• Watching over sensitive areas, such as school zones and places with heavy pedestrian traffic
• Enforcing against illegal parking, heading off risky situations and blocked traffic
• Raising public awareness, encouraging respect for the rules

According to the DGT, the Spanish traffic authority, a stronger officer presence in urban areas can cut pedestrian collisions by up to 20%.

2. Smart enforcement devices: technology that saves lives

Speed cameras, access control cameras and other automatic devices are essential to detect offences and act preventively. Among their benefits:

• Lower speeds, speed being the determining factor in 25% of fatal urban accidents
• Better compliance, since these devices enforce against offences such as failing to give way to pedestrians at crossings, or parking where it is prohibited

Since 2023, councils have stepped up their use of this technology thanks to legislative changes that make it easier to integrate and use efficiently.

3. Why handling penalties efficiently matters

Handling traffic penalty notices properly is essential if offenders are to take responsibility, and if annulments or time-barred cases are not to undermine the effect of the measures.

Councils need to put in place:

• Quick procedures, using digital platforms to process penalties without delay
• Multi-channel public service that makes communication with citizens easier
• Early warnings, so that notices do not become time-barred through administrative slips

These steps not only improve road safety, they also allow what is collected to be put towards mobility and sustainability initiatives.

4. Legislation and sustainability: the basis for lasting change

Regulation is key to calming traffic. Since 2021, the 30 km/h limit on single-lane streets has significantly reduced accidents. The Climate Change Act also drives sustainable mobility, favouring bicycles and electric vehicles.

Calming traffic also helps the environment, for two reasons:

• Lower CO₂ emissions: at lower speeds, vehicles burn less fuel.
• Less noise pollution: wellbeing in urban areas depends heavily on this.

A study by the EEA (European Environment Agency) finds that 30% of urban emissions come from road traffic, and underlines the importance of traffic calming measures.

5. Fewer accidents and fewer deaths

The main aim of traffic calming is to save lives. In 2022, accidents in urban areas accounted for 38% of road deaths in Spain. The most effective strategies include:

• 30 km/h zones: they bring down both speed and the severity of accidents
• Better pedestrian crossings: greater visibility and safety
• Awareness campaigns: aimed at pedestrians and drivers alike

Bilbao, a pioneer in 30 km/h zones, has cut deaths from accidents by 60%.

Conclusion: safety and efficiency for more liveable cities

Calming traffic does not only save lives: it improves the quality of urban life and makes better use of council resources. Combining advanced technology, clear rules and efficient handling of penalties makes it possible to build safer, more sustainable and more liveable cities.

Is your city ready to lead that change? Adopting effective measures, and making sure that traffic penalty notices serve their purpose, are the keys to a safer urban environment for everyone.

More information about our traffic calming solutions: Road safety and traffic monitoring