The municipality of Wassenaar has implemented a 30 km/h speed limit on the vast majority of roads within built-up areas. To officially ratify the measure, Alderman for Traffic Wim Koetsier recently unveiled the new 30 km/h traffic sign on Deijlerweg in Wassenaar.
The speed reduction is based on recommendations from the Citizens’ Traffic Advisory Council and is widely supported by the Wassenaar City Council. The introduction of the new speed limit will contribute to a more livable, safer, and quieter village, while maintaining Wassenaar’s accessibility.
The introduction of the 30 km/h speed limit is part of a broader national trend in which more and more municipalities are opting for lower speed limits within built-up areas. Cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, and recently Amersfoort have already preceded Wassenaar. More municipalities are expected to take this step during 2026 and 2027. Wassenaar is one of the first smaller municipalities to adopt the 30 km/h speed limit.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 tranquility in residential streets. It also creates more space for active forms of mobility, such as walking and cycling.
“With a 30 km/h speed limit, we are making Wassenaar safer and more pleasant for everyone who moves around the village. This is an important decision based on the advice of our residents,” says Alderman for Traffic Wim Koetsier.
More liveability and safety
The decision was made at the initiative of residents during the Citizens’ Consultation on Traffic. During this Citizens’ Consultation on Traffic, which concluded in June 2025, a large majority of participants recommended lowering the speed limit within built-up areas to 30 km/h. The municipal executive incorporated this recommendation into the revised Road Categorization Plan and presented it to the municipal council. The revised Road Categorization Plan was subsequently adopted by the municipal council with an overwhelming majority, on the condition that its implementation would have a limited impact on the village’s accessibility.
Alignment with national guidelines and research
This plan wasn’t developed entirely independently, but aligns with national developments and guidelines. For example, research by SWOV (Foundation for Road Safety Research) and CROW (Centre for Regulations and Research in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, and Traffic Engineering) was incorporated. The national government’s request to adopt a 30 km/h speed limit within built-up areas is also a factor.
Clear layout of the road network
Starting Friday, February 27, the new speed limit applied to most roads in built-up areas. Five roads will retain their function as through traffic, and the 50 km/h speed limit will remain in effect there. An overview of the roads where the new limit applies can be found on the municipal website .
30 km/h becomes visible in the streetscape
Preparations for the implementation have been underway for some time. The first new traffic signs with temporary stickers began being installed in early February, and road markings are being adjusted where necessary. The municipality is supporting the change with the publicity campaign ” This is our street too ,” which focuses on residents. Newsletters, local media, social media channels, posters, and street banners clearly display the new 30 km/h speed limit in Wassenaar. Starting today, a life-size street drawing can also be found on Deijlerweg to raise awareness of the new speed limit. Street drawings will follow next week on Van Zuylen van Nyeveltstraat, Backershagenlaan, and Lange Kerkdam.
Step by step towards different driving behaviour
After implementation, there will be a transition period during which the focus will be on education and 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. An evaluation of compliance with the new speed limit, traffic accidents, and meeting the standard times for emergency services will be conducted in the second quarter of 2027.
More information about the measure and the underlying plans can be found at: www.wassenaar.nl/30km
Featured image: Traffic Councillor Wim Koetsier unveiled a traffic sign with the new speed limit of 30 km/h on Deijlerweg in Wassenaar.