Zone 30 and sustainable cities: The future of safe and green streets

The Zone 30 model is an urban concept that places safety, livability, and sustainability at its core. Born from the broader vision of “City 30”, these areas are spreading throughout many Italian and European cities, to transform public space, promote gentler mobility, and build cities that are truly people-oriented.

Regulatory framework and National Road Safety Plan 2030

Zone 30 are urban area where the maximum speed limit is 30 km/h, designed to reduce accidents and improve the quality of the urban environment.

This model is part of the National Road Safety Plan 2030, which adopts the principles of the European Safe System: an approach that assumes human error is inevitable, but acts to prevent it and limit its consequences through safe road environment design.

One of the pillars of this plan is speed management: according to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, reducing average speed in urban areas is among the most effective actions to lower accidents and road fatalities.

Zone 30 in Italy

The introduction of Zone 30 is gradually spreading in Italy, following the example of many European cities. Some municipalities have already launched structured projects, while others are experimenting with localized interventions in residential neighborhoods, school areas, or high-accident zones.

This evolution is supported by growing attention to road safety and the need to make urban space more accessible (and sustainable) for everyone. The most significant experiences come from Bologna, Milan, Lodi, Florence, and numerous small towns, each with different approaches but a common goal: safer and slower urban mobility.

Bologna “City 30”

Bologna was the first major Italian city to introduce the “City 30” model. The official launch took place on July 1, 2023, becoming effective from January 16, 2024.

In the first half of 2025, all the main positive trends already observed in the first year of implementation were confirmed, including:

• A decrease in the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, with a sharp drop in deaths, which nearly halved;
• An increase in bicycle trips (+19%) and the use of bike sharing (+119%);
• A reduction in vehicle flows (-8%) and polluting traffic, with a 30% drop in emissions, the lowest figure in the past 10 years.

These results demonstrate the effectiveness of an integrated approach, combining speed management, infrastructure interventions, and sustainable mobility policies.

Milan and alternative models

In Milan, the debate is still open: with the agenda approved on January 9, 2023, the City Council called for the process to transform the city into a “City for People”, inspired by the Bologna model.

Currently, localized trials are underway in different neighborhoods, particularly in residential areas and near schools. The approach is gradual and aims to collect data and field evaluations, involving citizens in the decision-making process.

Proposals under discussion include:

• the adoption of a strategic plan for gentle mobility;
• the expansion of existing Zone 30 areas;
• the introduction of traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, protected crossings, and new signage.

The aim is to build a model adaptable to the specific needs of neighborhoods, with the goal of improving safety and public space quality.

Other contexts: Lodi, Florence, and smaller networks

Medium-sized cities are also investing in road safety and urban livability through the introduction of Zone 30.

In Lodi, for example, the administration has launched an ambitious plan to activate 22 new Zone 30 areas on over 400 streets, with targeted interventions especially near schools, parks, and residential areas.

In Tuscany, several cities – including Florence, Prato, and Arezzo – are adopting measures in line with the principles of Zone 30, such as securing school entrances, introducing raised crossings and temporary pedestrian zones: all interventions integrated into PUMS or supported by regional funds for safe school mobility.

These experiences show how the model can be effectively adapted even in smaller urban contexts, contributing to a national network increasingly focused on safety and quality of life.

Proven benefits of Zone 30

Zone 30 are not just a political choice, but an effective strategy based on concrete evidence.

Cities that have adopted 30 km/h speed limits have seen significant improvements in road safety, with reductions in accidents, fatalities, and injuries.

In addition to safety benefits, these zones make the urban environment more livable: less traffic, less pollution, less noise. Speed moderation encourages more sustainable mobility, promoting walking and cycling and improving air quality.

Implementation challenges and supporting technologies

Despite proven benefits, implementing Zone 30 can face technical, regulatory, and cultural obstacles.

In some cases, there has been social opposition, as in Bologna, where a lawsuit filed by some taxi drivers was initially upheld by the Regional Administrative Court, but later overturned by the Council of State, which recognized the legitimacy of the measure to protect road safety.

Another critical issue is insufficient public information, which can slow citizen acceptance and generate resistance. For this reason, many cities accompany structural measures with awareness campaigns and active participation.

Various technological solutions are also used to support implementation, including:

• speed detectors and Berlin cushions for traffic calming;
• IoT sensors for monitoring traffic flows and road conditions;
• feedback apps that foster dialogue between citizens and the administration.

In this context, Safe Join also comes into play: the anti-fog and anti-ice road mirror, powered by a photovoltaic panel, ideal for improving visibility at critical city points such as blind intersections, school entrances, and areas prone to condensation or ice.

A technological, sustainable, and easy-to-install solution, perfectly integrable into urban mobility projects focused on safety and public space quality.

From project to reality: Operational roadmap for implementing Zone 30

The introduction of Zone 30 requires structured planning, based on technical criteria and safety objectives. The process can be divided into three operational phases:

1. Analysis and planning (1–3 months) Identify priority areas, define objectives, draft ordinances, and plan available resources.
2. Infrastructure implementation (3–6 months) Install dedicated signage, traffic calming devices, and supporting technologies.
3. Monitoring and optimization (ongoing) Collect data on accidents, environmental impacts, and citizen feedback.

An effective strategy relies on the ability to integrate physical interventions, technological solutions, and listening to the community, to ensure long-term benefits.

👉Contact us to discover how Safe Join can support municipalities, companies, and individuals in creating safer and more sustainable urban environments.