Japan halves speed limit to 30km/h on all narrow city streets

Japan has reduced the speed limit from 60km/h to 30km/h on approximately 870,000km of narrow residential streets without centre lines or pavements, effective Tuesday, to reduce deaths and injuries among pedestrians, particularly children and older people. The new limit applies to about 70% of Japan's general roads and follows data showing that pedestrian mortality rates drop significantly at lower speeds—below 1% at 30km/h compared to 17.4% at 50-60km/h. A similar "zone 30" initiative introduced in 2011 resulted in a 30% reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on affected streets.