Why create areas at 30 km/h in the city center?

Paris, Lyon or Grenoble are cities in France that today have areas with limited speed. In fact, drivers can circulate in agglomerations or in areas with imposed speed limits. In these sections, there are some particular traffic rules such as areas 30. The latter requires a speed limited to 30 km/h. But why establish this speed limitation in many streets in the city center? This article proposes to answer the question: what is the point of creating 30 areas in some cities.

What are exactly about 30 km/h areas?

To start, it is advisable to define what areas 30 are. They appeared in 1990, these imply that some roads are subject to a speed reduction to 30 km/h. This obligation applies to all users of these roads such as cyclists or two wheels. Its implementation consists in making the different interactions between users of these safer ways. In addition, an area 30 encourages walking into the agglomerations in which they apply. In general, the speed limitation at 30 km/h is applied to the spaces with a high density of pedestrians. It is also essential for areas frequented by vulnerable users, such as close to schools.

What does the law say on the establishment of these limitations? The establishment of these areas 30 is addressed in article R.110-2. It is a series of track sections that facilitate the circulation of several users of these roads. Therefore, in these areas, all vehicles must adopt a traffic speed to a maximum of 30 km/h. All the items and exits in these areas 30 are felt by road signals. In addition, all users take this article after learning the motorway code.

Why insert areas at 30 km/h in the cities?

Different reasons encourage the implementation of areas at 30 km/h in the city such as:

• • The conservation of the environment and the reduction of noise pollution;

• • The adoption of better road traffic;

• • Encouragement of traffic or traffic by bicycle;

• • The tranquility of the roads and a better tourist attraction.

30 areas for better road safety

With a limitation at 50 km/h, some motorists still make great accelerations. It can be dangerous. With a speed limited to 30 km/h, there is less acceleration, which reduces the risk of accident. This also facilitates the circulation of pedestrians who can cross more easily. With a maximum speed at 30 km/h, the driver also has a better visual field. This allows him to anticipate the events that can occur on the road and offer him greater road safety.

Speed limitation at 30 km/has favor of the environment

One of the great advantages of the creation of zones 30 is their impact on the environment. By limiting the speed to 30 km/h, cars accelerate less and emanate less greenhouse gases. According to a road prevention association, this would therefore be useful for the environment. In addition, this limit encourages the cycle, which contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, encouraging the walk proves to be beneficial not only for the environment, but also for health.

A study by Cerema also highlights the beneficial effect of 30 areas on the sound environment. In fact, vehicles make less noise, which has the effect of improving the tranquility of the inhabitants of the neighborhood. In addition, this sound of sound can drop from 1.4 dB to 3 db.

For better road traffic and better physical health

Another advantage in zone 30 is to promote better road traffic and this for all users: drivers or not. In a quiet city, far from being acceleration, cyclists and pedestrians will be more comfortable to be circulated. In other words, pedestrians feel more comfort. This limitation of speed would therefore seem to improve the quality of life in the streets. As for the inhabitants who favor non -motor travels, they significantly improve their health capital.

What are the different signals for these 30 areas?

When traveling in the cities, it is easier to recognize areas 30. The authority concerned must install reporting elements to warn users of the existence of this limitation at 30 km/h. They are easily recognized thanks to the reporting or marking on the ground. But how to identify these areas?

• • As for the horizontal report for an area 30, its entry is equipped with a B30 zonal prescription panel. It is a panel that shows, in the center, a pictogram. This indicates a speed limitation in a city at 30 km/h;

• • To specify the exit of an area 30, it is possible to use several panels. There is the B51 panel, which reports the end of zone 30. It is also possible to meet the entrance panel of the appointment area or the exit of agglomeration. This establishes that all the rules announced in the agglomeration affected by this place.

The advantages of land signs 30 km away

In addition to the report, the motorway code provides that areas 30 can also be reported thanks to the mark on the ground. The latter is in the form of a line of text or a representation of a zonal panel. In other words, we can find a great mention on the street «Zone 30».

And the necessary agreements? In general, the implementation of areas 30 does not require specific agreements. It is sufficient that the sidewalks are wide and are distinguished from the street. These areas also require as many pedestrian crossings as possible

What to do in areas 30?

When you are in areas 30, it is therefore necessary to adopt certain behaviors:

• • As soon as the marking on the ground or the panel of zone 30 are visible, drivers must decrease their speed. This is also valid in case of a path released;

• • Zone 30 is also applicable for cyclists who must submit to the same rule as motorists or two wheels. If there are cycle paths, they must use them;

• • Although the speed of a car is limited to 30 km/h in these areas, pedestrians must always respect certain rules. To do this, it is important to cross exclusively the passages with studs and borrow the pedestrian area.

In addition, only priority vehicles may not respect an authorized maximum speed in an area of the city.