How are speed limits determined?

Authorised by law (see the question What are the speed limits in the Netherlands?) Dutch road authorities will determine the speed limit for a particular road. In the Netherlands, the speed limit largely depends on the road category [23]. In addition, a combination of safety, accessibility, flow and environment contributes to the limit chosen. If road safety were the only determinant, limits would be considerably lower (see the question What are safe speeds?).

Part of fact sheet

Speed and speed management

If the average speed on a road increases, crash risk also increases, as does the risk of a serious outcome.

Deze factsheet gebruiken?

Reproduction is allowed with due acknowledgement:

SWOV (2021). Speed and speed management. SWOV fact sheet, July 2021. SWOV, The Hague.

Download (PDF)