Japan implemented a new road safety measure that reduces the speed limit to 30 km/h on narrow streets, with the objective of reducing pedestrian accidents. The change is part of a review of the Japanese road code.
The measure covers approximately 870 thousand kilometers of roads with less than 5.5 meters in width. This extension represents about 70% of the general road network of the country, which means that the vast majority of Japanese roads will be affected by this restriction.
The change comes in a context of concern for pedestrian safety, particularly of vulnerable groups such as elderly and children. The Japanese government expects that the speed reduction will contribute to significantly reducing the number of accidents on the covered roads.
