News Japan introduces 30 km/h limit on residential roads

[thomas]

The legal speed limit on many residential roads in Japan will be reduced from 60 km/h to 30 km/h from 1 September, as police step up efforts to improve safety on narrow neighbourhood streets where pedestrians are expected to take priority. The new limit will apply to relatively narrow roads that do not have features such as centre lines or medians separating opposing traffic. Drivers caught travelling at 60 km/h or more on roads subject to the new 30 km/h limit could face up to six months in custody or a fine of up to ¥100,000.

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The Metropolitan Police Department said the revision was introduced because accidents on residential roads are more likely to result in death or serious injury. "Drivers should remember that people have priority on residential roads and take particular care to drive safely even on familiar streets," an official from the department's Traffic Regulation Division said. The Metropolitan Police Department plans to strengthen efforts to publicize the new rule and promote safe driving through traffic safety campaigns and other initiatives.

Japan Sets 30-Kph Limit on Residential Roads

The legal speed limit on many residential roads will be lowered from 60 kilometers per hour to 30 kph on September 1, as police urge drivers to recognize that pedestrians should take priority on narrow neighborhood streets.

newsonjapan.com

 

[Lomaster]

I can`t say about Tokyo Metropolitan Area, but here in Kansai all such roads (narrow street with no centerline) already have either 40 km/h or even 30km/h speed limit. Besides, every responsible driver should instinctively obey self-imposed 30 km/h limit on such roads. After all it is simply uncomfortable to drive any faster, knowing that at any moment a cyclist or a child might dart out from a side alley.

Nevertheless, stricter enforcement is a welcome change. Hope that will reduce the number of kei trucks speeding through narrow streets

 

[mdchachi]

Nevertheless, stricter enforcement is a welcome change.

That's the key question... will they actually enforce it?

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Most likely it won't be enforced much by police patrols but rather as additional sentencing during trial when accidents do occur.