Slovakia has adopted a new law that provides for limiting the speed at which pedestrians move on the streets in densely populated urban areas, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
According to an amendment to Slovakia’s transport law, adopted today by the parliament in Bratislava, pedestrians crossing streets in congested areas can move at no more than 6 km/h.
“The main goal is to improve street safety in view of the increasing number of collisions between pedestrians and people riding scooters,” explained Lubomir Vazni, a left-wing lawmaker and former transport minister who introduced the bill. Vazni is part of the left-wing nationalist party Direction – Social Democracy (SMER in Slovak).
The new speed limit applies to both pedestrians, cyclists and people riding skateboards, scooters and electric scooters, which can be used on pavements in Slovakia.
The approval of the law caused outrage and jokes. “Will I get caught on a speed camera if I’m in a hurry not to miss my bus?” asked a Slovakian internet user.
Supporters of the legislation, however, argue that drivers cannot stop in time if someone suddenly runs across the crosswalk, and that pedestrians also bear some of the blame for many of the scooter collisions.
