[Report] 'Safe Speed 5030' "Safety First" vs "Tax Collection" Conflicting Reactions

Full Implementation of 'Safe Speed 5030' on the 17th
Citizens React Differently: "Safety Should Be Prioritized," "Just a Tax Collection Measure"
Experts Say "Uniform Speed Limits Are Regrettable... Need Targeted Policies"

On the afternoon of the 20th, a speed limit sign was installed at the Seoul National University of Education intersection in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choyoung Kim choyoung@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] "I don't think it's right for cars to be prioritized over people. I believe speed limits are appropriate for safety."

"I question whether uniformly limiting speed on roads without pedestrians is efficient. Wouldn't it be more effective to designate zones like school zones and implement limits accordingly?"

Since the implementation of the 'Safe Speed 5030' policy, which lowers speed limits on major city roads nationwide, on the 17th, public opinion remains sharply divided. After a three-month grace period, enforcement will begin in earnest on July 17. Violators of the speed limit face fines up to 140,000 KRW.

Citizens showed mixed reactions. While some noted a reduction in safety accident risks, many criticized it as excessive regulation. Experts suggested targeted regulation rather than blanket speed limits.

On the afternoon of the 20th near the Express Bus Terminal in Seocho-gu, Seoul, office worker Kim (32) said, "If it's for the safety of pedestrians, I think speed limits are appropriate." He added, "Isn't an extra 10 minutes of travel time something we can accept? I hope the system settles well so pedestrians can live in a safer society."

Taxi driver Park (62), with 20 years of experience, expressed a similar view. He said, "If vehicle speeds decrease, accidents will definitely reduce. We must follow the rules to avoid accidents." Park added, "Some customers in a hurry get frustrated because they can't go fast, but Seoul's traffic is usually congested, so even before, speeds rarely reached 50 km/h."

According to the government, in Busan, where the 'Safe Speed 5030' policy was piloted, pedestrian fatalities dropped by 33.8% to 47 last year compared to the previous year. An analysis also shows that among 37 OECD countries, 31 have already lowered urban speed limits to 50 km/h or less, achieving significant traffic accident prevention effects.

On the other hand, many expressed disappointment that speed limits are uniformly applied. University student Lee (23) questioned the efficiency of applying speed limits uniformly even on roads with little pedestrian traffic, saying, "Wouldn't it be more effective to designate zones like school zones and implement limits accordingly?"

Lee said, "While safety is important, there are definitely transportation modes like taxis that people take in a hurry, so it's hard to sympathize with a uniform limit that doesn't consider such cases. Although the difference in travel time isn't significant, it inevitably causes concern."

Housewife Kim (33) said, "I don't think speed limits should be applied equally on all roads," adding, "Many people around me say this is just a way to collect more taxes."

There were also opinions that traffic congestion will worsen. Office worker Park (56) said, "I wonder if this was really necessary," and lamented, "Traffic congestion during rush hours is already severe, so I'm worried about how things will be from now on."

On the 20th, a speed limit sign indicating a speed of 50 km/h or less was installed in front of the Express Bus Terminal in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choyoung Kim choyoung@asiae.co.kr

Transportation workers also voiced dissatisfaction. Delivery driver Lee (38) said, "Honestly, I already felt uncomfortable at 60 km/h, so 50 km/h is surprising. I agree with the intent, but from a delivery driver's perspective, spending more time on the road is not welcome news."

Taxi driver Yang (67) complained, "Even if I drive carefully, if a customer rushes me, I can't help but forget the speed limit. Do you know how regrettable it is to lose several tens of thousands of won like that?" He added, "If I'm busy, I have to move quickly; how can I drive at 50 km/h? It just looks like a way to collect money."

Experts agree with the purpose of pedestrian safety but point out that the policy is not being implemented precisely. They suggest targeted regulation that limits speed according to road conditions.

Professor Yoo Junghoon of Ajou University's Department of Traffic Systems Engineering said, "This policy limits vehicle speed regardless of pedestrian volume or time of day. Such uniform speed limits not only cause enormous social costs but may also fail to gain public sympathy."

Professor Yoo emphasized, "This policy is a showy measure that goes against decades of road development. To ensure that past efforts are not wasted, it should be operated with targeted regulation, such as not applying limits where there are no pedestrians."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.