However, the latest accident figures have led the Government to propose reducing this speed limit to 30 kilometres per hour.

Between January and 16 April, 44,904 road accidents were recorded in Portugal, 12.89% more than in the same period last year, according to data from the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR). These accidents resulted in 147 fatalities and 652 serious injuries, an increase of 42.72% and 1.24%, respectively, compared to last year’s figures.

Government measures

To address this issue, the Government intends to strengthen road safety in Portugal. As announced by The Portugal News, plans include the return of the GNR Traffic Brigade and the end of advance warnings for STOP operations on social media. A review of the Highway Code is also planned.

In Portugal, the accident rate is primarily due to speeding, drink-driving and the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

Reduction of speed limits

Currently, the Highway Code stipulates that, in built-up areas, the speed limit for all vehicles is 50 kilometres per hour. However, the government intends to reduce this to 30 kilometres per hour, as is already the case in other European cities.

In 2024, the study “Review of City-Wide 30 km/h Speed Limit Benefits in Europe”, by George Yannis and Eva Michelaraki, analysed the impact of the measure in 40 European cities, including Brussels, Paris and Zurich. The study concluded that road accidents fell by 23%, while deaths fell by 37% and injuries resulting from accidents fell by 38%.

The same study also revealed that pollutant emissions fell by 18% and that noise pollution also fell by up to 2.5 decibels.