Speed limit 30 in Swiss cities - What do Swiss residents want?

A recent report explores Swiss public opinion on speed limit 30 based on panel data from the Swiss Mobility Panel and the Swiss Environmental Panel. For years there have been discussions in the Swiss public and politics regarding a speed reduction in Swiss cities from 50km/h to 30km/h. However, opinions vary widely. While supporters of a speed limit reduction see it as a means to reduce noise emissions, improve road safety, and promote active mobility (e.g. by bike or on foot), opponents of this measure fear that a speed limit reduction would lead to an increase in travel times for cars and that traffic would be shifted to residential neighbourhoods.

The report is based on data from the Swiss Mobility Panel and the Swiss Environmental Panel, both panel surveys conducted by ETH Zurich twice a year. Based on representative samples of the Swiss population, the report shows clear differences in opinion based on where the speed limit reductions are introduced. The majority of respondents reject a general introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit within cities. More people support targeted speed limit reduction on specific streets. The majority of respondents support introducing a 30km/h speed limit on all residential streets. Overall, people are more likely to support speed limit reductions where they live compared to reducing the speed limit more broadly in larger cities or all cities in Switzerland.

Attitudes toward the 30 km/h speed limit are strongly influenced by general political attitudes and environmental beliefs. Contrary to widespread assumptions, attitudes toward the 30 km/h limit are only slightly influenced by the ownership and use of specific modes of transportation, as well as perceived noise and air pollution. The same applies to the influence of gender, age, income, and education level.

The report also examines people’s reasons for supporting or rejecting speed limit reductions. More people worry about potential increases in travel time for cars than impacts on public transport or emergency services. On the other hand, most supporters consider safety for children and general improvements to the quality of life as the most important reasons for supporting speed limit reductions. Potential noise reductions or improvements to air quality are much less important to supporters of the 30km/h speed limit.