Wassenaar introduces 30 km/h as new standard

The introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit is part of a broader national trend in which more and more municipalities are opting for lower speeds within built-up areas. Cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, and recently Amersfoort have already preceded Wassenaar in this regard. More municipalities are expected to take this step in the course of 2026 and 2027. Wassenaar is one of the first smaller municipalities to introduce 30 km/h as the standard.

With this measure, the municipality aims to further reduce the number of traffic accidents, increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and ensure less noise and more peace and quiet in residential streets. It also creates more space for active forms of mobility, such as walking and cycling. 

"With a speed limit of 30 km/h, we are making Wassenaar safer and more pleasant for everyone who travels around the village. This is an important decision that has been made based on advice from our residents," says Alderman , Wim Koetsier. 

Improved quality of life and safety

The decision was made on the initiative of residents during the Citizens' Consultation on Traffic. During this Citizens' Consultation on Traffic, which was completed in June 2025, a large majority of participants recommended reducing the speed limit within built-up areas to 30 km/h. The municipal executive incorporated this recommendation into the revised Road Classification Plan and presented it to the municipal council. The revised Road Classification Plan was then adopted by the municipal council by an overwhelming majority, on condition that its implementation would have a limited impact on the accessibility of the village. 

Compliance with national guidelines and research

This plan did not come about entirely on its own, but is in line with national developments and guidelines. For example, studies by SWOV (Institute for Road Safety Research) and CROW (Center for Regulation and Research in Civil Engineering and Traffic Engineering) were taken into account. The request from the national government to use a maximum speed of 30 km/h within built-up areas as a starting point also plays a role.

Clear layout of the road network 

From Friday, February 27, the new speed limit will apply on most roads in built-up areas. Five roads will remain open to through traffic, where the speed limit will remain at 50 km/h. An overview of the roads where the new limit applies can be found on the project page.

30 km/h becomes visible in the street scene

The introduction has been in preparation for some time. At the beginning of February, the first new traffic signs with temporary stickers were installed and road markings were adjusted where necessary. The municipality is supporting the change with the public campaign 'This is our street too', which focuses on residents. Newsletters, local media, social channels, posters, and street banners clearly show that the new speed limit in Wassenaar is 30 km/h. Starting today, there is also a life-size street drawing on Deijlerweg to draw extra attention to the new speed limit. Next week, street drawings will also appear on Van Zuylen van Nyeveltstraat, Backershagenlaan, and Lange Kerkdam.  

Step by step towards different driving behavior

After implementation, there will be a transition period during which the emphasis will be on providing information and raising awareness. After that, enforcement will take place where necessary. No additional speed bumps will be installed that could hinder emergency services or public transport.

From the outset, the municipality will monitor the effects on road safety, quality of life, and traffic flow. In the second quarter of 2027, an evaluation will be conducted to assess compliance with the new speed limit, traffic accidents, and the achievement of standard response times by emergency services.

More information about the measure and the underlying plans can be found at www.wassenaar.nl/30km.