The Tallinn Transport Department has compiled an analysis of speed limits in the city, examining how lowering speed limits affects traffic safety. Driving speed is one of the most critical factors influencing traffic safety, but creating a safer traffic environment also requires secure infrastructure, public awareness, and effective traffic enforcement.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Kristjan Järvan emphasized that Tallinn’s goal is Vision Zero for traffic fatalities. “Unfortunately, the number of traffic deaths more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year. The severity of tragic traffic accidents is often linked to vehicle speed, which in many cases exceeded the legal limit. This confirms that ensuring traffic safety requires a coordinated and systematic effort. In addition to speed limits, we must invest in raising public awareness, improving infrastructure, and introducing new safety technologies,” Järvan explained. “However, we are also seeing positive developments – for example, pedestrian collisions and car accidents have decreased.”

To improve traffic safety, Tallinn has implemented several measures: lowering speed limits to 40/30 km/h; introducing automated traffic enforcement systems; and applying a Vision Zero strategy, which focuses on systematic safety improvements.

Currently, 70% of local streets in Tallinn have a 30 km/h speed limit, and certain sections of central city main roads have a 40 km/h limit. In 2024, speed limits were further reduced on an additional 10.5 km of roads.

Feedback from changes on Liivalaia Street suggests that road users perceive the area as safer. The speed limit there is 40 km/h, pedestrian crossings are equipped with traffic lights, and a green wave system supports efficient traffic movement. On Pärnu maantee, between Vineeri and Liivalaia streets, a 40 km/h speed limit is in effect, full-length pedestrian crossings are in place, and left turns from Tatari Street are prohibited, which has also positively impacted perceived traffic safety. On the other hand, the 30 km/h limit on Kaarli puiestee has proven ineffective, as the traffic environment does not support it.

The impact analysis highlights that in order to create a safer traffic environment, speed limits must be set in a balanced way so that the smooth flow of traffic is not compromised. It also emphasizes the importance of developing appropriate infrastructure — including bike lanes and safe pedestrian crossings — and strengthening traffic enforcement.