Graz expands 30 km/h zones beyond school days

Graz has launched an initiative to expand 30 km/h restrictions, particularly around schools, ORF reports. At several school locations, limits that previously applied only on school days will now apply on working days.

The signs have been replaced, meaning the restrictions also apply on Saturdays and during school holidays. A new 30 km/h limit is also planned near Kepler School.

Two new school streets were introduced over the summer. Graz Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner, who is responsible for transport, said the city had already designated eight school streets over the past five years. These streets are intended to give children a car-free final part of their morning journey to school.

A new 30 km/h limit has also been in place for several days on Mandellstraße, a priority road. It slows traffic between Brockmanngasse and Kaiser-Josef-Platz and follows a citizens’ initiative.

Schwentner said she wanted to convert more priority roads into 30 km/h roads wherever possible, although each measure must be approved by the municipal road authority. She said the aim was to improve road safety.

The changes were made possible by an amendment to the StVO, which gives municipalities more options to introduce speed limits.