Abstract

This research is handling the practical and legal aspects of reducing the top speed in Ukrainian cities from 60 km/h to 50 km/h. The decision of reduced speed entered into force on 1st of January 2018. Prior to that time Ukraine was one of three countries in the world, where the vehicles could be driven at speeds up to 60 km/h.

In the meantime, road fatalities in Ukraine are still the highest among the European countries. According to Ukrainian Ministry of Health data between 2011 and 2016 170 000 traffic accidents along with victims have occurred in Ukraine, in which 26 500 people have lost their lives and 209 000 have been wounded. While working on the study a number of interviews were held with a deep analysis of regional specifics of road accidents. The project is also covering the issues of road improvements in Ukraine based on cameras of automated photo- and video fixation of over speed. The aim of research is to show a connection between the reduced speed and the accident rate. As well as to demonstrate with concrete examples the whole process of installation the cameras with photo fixation – from legal initiative to practical realization on Ukrainian roads. Separately, the research highlights certain issues of confrontation between supporters of reducing the speed to European standards and opponents of strict speed limitations.