Amsterdam goes to 30 km/h: speeding is so outrageously expensive - AutoReview.nl

As of today, the municipality of Amsterdam will place approximately 4,400 traffic signs stating the new speed limit of 30 km/h. The reduction should make traffic safer. The municipality expects 20 to 30 percent fewer accidents. The braking distance is shorter and the field of vision wider, according to policymakers.

Be careful with thresholds

A small bright spot for those who are always stuck in the Amsterdam city center: the municipality hopes that the flow will also improve. Obstructive measures such as high speed bumps are applied as little as possible. 'We are careful with thresholds', as the municipality puts it.

Sky-high fines for speeding

From December 8, you will only be allowed to drive at 30 km/h on many Amsterdam roads. This will take some getting used to for many drivers. Anyone who drives 50 km/h must take into account a hefty fine. For example, if you drive at 54 km/h, that is already 24 km/h too fast. There is still a measurement correction of 3 km/h. Please do not exceed 21 km/h. And then you have to 312 euro tap out. Ka-ching! If you drive through a red light, it will be cheaper (280 euros).

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More than 350 euros by 2024

These amounts do not include the 10 percent increase that the government will implement for speeding violations as of January 1, 2024. Then that 312 euros suddenly becomes more than 350 euros, including administration costs! Even if you stick exactly to the old speed limit (i.e. 50 km/h), you have to pay a lot of money. Then the fine amount is still a hefty 242 euros. The image below shows which roads you are only allowed to drive at 30 km/h (blue). Red is 50 km/h.

Oh, sweet

There is also good news: in addition to the installation of the new traffic signs, certain things will also be removed, such as as many lines as possible. That looks clearer and causes less confusion, according to Amsterdam. The municipality says that enforcement is not the most important way to keep people at the new speed limit. 'If one person keeps to 30 km/h, the driver behind him cannot go any faster. This is how we help each other.' Oh, sweet.

Source photo: Municipality of Amsterdam