"Does This Make Sense..." Citizens' Reactions on the First Day of Implementing 'Safe Speed 5030'

Photo by Korea Road Traffic Authority

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seo-young] The "Safe Speed 5030" policy was fully implemented starting from the 17th.

"Safe Speed 5030" is a policy that lowers the speed limit in urban areas to 50 km/h and reduces the speed limit on residential and pedestrian-focused side streets to 30 km/h or less. This policy was piloted in certain areas to reduce fatalities from traffic accidents and enhance pedestrian safety, and from the 17th, it has been implemented nationwide.

On the first day of the actual implementation of "Safe Speed 5030," citizens generally did not show significant confusion. In the southern Gyeonggi region, drivers were observed making efforts not to exceed the regulated speed. In Chungbuk, some vehicles that had been speeding showed compliance with the 50 km/h speed limit in front of speed enforcement cameras.

As a result, public reactions were mixed. While some thought that speed limits would be frustrating, many responded positively, saying it was better than expected once everyone adjusted to the flow. Students who mainly use public transportation and parents with children especially expressed relief.

On the 18th, a sign for 'Safe Speed 5030' was installed on a road in downtown Seoul. The Safe Speed 5030, which limits vehicle speeds in urban areas nationwide to enhance pedestrian safety, was officially implemented starting from the 17th. For general roads, the speed limit was lowered from the previous 60-80 km/h to 50 km/h, and for residential and other side streets, it was reduced to below 30 km/h. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

However, there were also considerable complaints about inconvenience. Taxi drivers voiced dissatisfaction, claiming that the speed limits negatively impacted their business. Additionally, citizens who had to pay heavy fines for speeding violations expressed hopes that the taxes collected from these fines would be properly used.

Netizens expressed more overtly negative reactions. On various online communities and social networking services (SNS), comments such as "It's only 5030 in front of cameras... (what's the point?)", "The speed limit policy merely imitates EU countries' traffic policies and is not suitable for Korea's road traffic environment," and "Speeding is not the only cause of traffic accidents" were frequently seen.

There was also criticism that a comprehensive improvement in traffic safety awareness is necessary. While a uniform speed limit policy can effectively reduce casualties caused by speeding, it was pointed out that to lower the overall incidence of traffic accidents caused by other violations such as running red lights, illegal U-turns, drunk driving, and illegal parking, it is also necessary to strengthen traffic safety education and strictly enforce laws against illegal acts.

At the 'Safe Speed 5030' practice declaration ceremony held on the 13th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, attendees including Byeon Chang-heum, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, and former football player Lee Dong-guk are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding the biggest concern of causing traffic congestion, relatively favorable results were observed. After the policy implementation, an examination of driving speeds showed that urban traffic congestion levels did not significantly increase, dispelling concerns about increased traffic jams. Furthermore, the number of speed enforcement camera violations during the period decreased by 1.5% compared to the same period last year.

Earlier, an analysis of the effects of "Safe Speed 5030" in 13 pilot cities showed that the average vehicle travel speed decreased by only 3%. However, the number of traffic accident fatalities and serious injuries decreased by 39% and 15%, respectively, indicating that the policy was effective in reducing casualties.

In response, Lee Joo-man, Director of the Korea Road Traffic Authority, emphasized, "Since the policy's effectiveness has been verified through pilot operations, we ask for active participation in creating a safe road traffic culture centered on pedestrian driving," and added, "The Authority will accelerate efforts to establish a safe road traffic environment so that 'Safe Speed 5030' can be successfully settled."