Ministry of Interior launches initiative to review speed limits on roads: Align them with actual conditions and safety risks

The Ministry of Interior has launched an initiative to analyse and review existing speed limits on roads in Montenegro, the ministry headed by Danilo Šaranović announced.

The adoption and implementation of the new Road Traffic Safety Law is already producing concrete results on the country’s roads, according to the statement.

- More responsible driving, increased enforcement and more consistent sanctioning of traffic violations are contributing to an overall improvement in road safety in Montenegro. These results confirm that clear rules, effective oversight and a responsible approach by all road users can make significant progress in protecting citizens’ lives and health - the Ministry of Interior said.

For this reason, the ministry believes that the next step should be a professional and comprehensive analysis of existing speed limits, so that they can be aligned with actual road conditions and safety risks on specific sections.

- Speed limits should not be viewed as a static category. Traffic, infrastructure, road configuration and conditions of use change over time, which is why it is necessary to periodically review whether the existing traffic regime corresponds to actual circumstances - the statement said.

The Ministry of Interior proposes establishing joint expert working groups involving relevant institutions, traffic experts and the University of Montenegro, in order to determine, on the basis of expert analyses and measurable indicators, where there are justified grounds for maintaining, increasing or reducing existing speed limits.

- Particular attention will be paid to road sections where the frequency of traffic accidents, road configuration, traffic volume, the presence of pedestrians or other factors indicate an increased risk. The aim of this initiative is neither to increase speed at any cost nor to reduce drivers’ responsibility. The aim is to ensure that speed limits are realistic, justified and based on risk assessment, so that drivers understand and comply with them - the statement said.

Where an analysis shows that an existing speed limit is a necessary safety measure, it must remain in force and be adequately enforced.

- At the same time, where an expert assessment shows that the traffic regime could safely be regulated differently, that possibility should be considered. The Ministry of Interior will continue to consistently implement the Road Traffic Safety Law, strengthen enforcement and undertake preventive measures, while also pursuing initiatives aimed at ensuring that the legal framework and traffic practices are as well adapted as possible to citizens’ actual needs - the statement said.

The ministry says its goal is simple.

- Safer roads, more responsible road users and as few traffic accidents with the most serious consequences as possible - the Ministry of Interior concluded.