An African Union Commission and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) workshop called to validate the African Road Safety Action Plan for the Decade 2021-2030 by experts, on Thursday called on African policymakers to support the UN campaign launched at the beginning of the 6th UN Global Road Safety Week to make 30 km/h streets the norm for cities worldwide.
The campaign stresses that low speed streets save lives and are the heart of any community. 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limits where people and traffic mix make for streets that are safe, healthy, green and liveable, in other words, streets for life.
The 6th UN Global Road Safety Week is calling on policymakers to act for low speed streets worldwide, limiting speeds to where people walk, live and play. The campaign stresses that 30 km/h streets protect all who use them, but especially the most vulnerable, like pedestrians, cyclists, children and older people and people with disabilities, preventing road traffic deaths and promoting physical activity.
Besides promoting safe walking and cycling, 30 km/h streets are vital in efforts to shift to zero-carbon mobility, reducing car dependency and harmful vehicle emissions that contribute to climate change. To protect the environment, people need safe, low-speed streets that encourage sustainable transport choices, the campaign adds.