Some may argue that strict regulations and safety measures undermine the freedom of driving, but the reality is that people support enhanced road safety. The Mobility Barometer 2024 shows clear acceptance of lower speed limits, increased road surveillance, and even an age limit for when it’s time to hang up the keys.
Support for tougher road safety measures remains strong, even in a region like the Nordics, widely considered one of the safest in the world. After decades of declining numbers of accidents and traffic fatalities, public sentiment shows an endorsement of more stringent regulations.
Embracing reduced speed limits
About 4 in 10 people are open to reduced speed limits across all types of roads, from highways to residential streets. Only 31 percent of respondents oppose the idea, while 27 percent neither endorse nor oppose it. This suggests an acknowledgment that speed is an important factor in the severity of accidents. While the support is evident, there are geographical differences: respondents in Sweden are the most positive (43 percent), followed by those in Finland (38), Denmark (35), and Norway (32).
The issue of tightening speed limits is also divisive. Although there is clear support for lowering speed limits, resistance remains. In Finland, 35 percent oppose it, which is nearly as many as those who support it, making it the highest negative share recorded. Many Norwegians are also skeptical to lower speed limits (34), followed by the public in Denmark (32) and Sweden (27).
Overall, men oppose such initiatives more than women do. Those living in major cities are generally more supportive, with 39 percent backing, compared to 34 percent of rural residents who endorse stricter speed limits.
Upper age driving limits
Many associate driving with freedom and flexibility, a sentiment confirmed once again in this year’s Mobility Barometer. Therefore, any attempt to hinder individuals from maintaining their driving habits is a sensitive issue. However, there is clear support for enforcing stricter rules, particularly in one controversial area.
The introduction of an upper age limit for driving, often debated and polarizing, is supported by 44 percent of respondents. A smaller share, 29 percent, opposes the idea and 21 percent neither agree nor disagree. Proponents argue that age-related cognitive and physical declines can impair driving abilities, making roads safer by limiting older drivers.
Critics, however, view such limits as discriminatory, suggesting that regular health evaluations would be a more equitable approach. Despite the contention, the trend leans toward prioritizing public safety even if it requires tough compromises on individual freedoms. Here, there are clear differences between generations. While 46 percent of people under 35 agree that age limits are reasonable, only 29 percent of people over 65 believe so. Women are more generally much more positive toward this suggestion compared to men.
Increased road camera surveillance
Many drivers may not enjoy being monitored by road cameras, but a significant number want to see more of them. Nearly every other person, 47 percent, supports increasing the number of road cameras to monitor driving speeds and serve as effective deterrents. These surveillance tools are considered indispensable in enforcing speed limits and capturing violations that might otherwise go unnoticed.
At the same time, only 2 out of 10 are against this initiative. The public's strong support for increased road surveillance highlights a clear preference for measures that enhance driver accountability and safety.
Danish respondents are the most positive, with 56 percent in favor of more cameras, followed by Swedes (49), Norwegians (43), and Finns (39). People in Finland are also the most negative toward increased surveillance, with 32 percent opposed. In Denmark, only 14 percent are against more cameras, while in Sweden and Norway, the share is 22 percent.
Towards safer roads
While the Mobility Barometer recognizes some differences in sentiment across generations and geographies, there is strong backing for ways to reduce driving speeds. Also, as highlighted in the accompanying article, most respondents also support the implementation of alcohol interlocks. In the Nordics, despite decades of improved safety and declining accident and fatality rates, safety remains top of mind for drivers.
This focus on safety extends beyond driving habits and influences car-buying decisions as well. Apart from the price of the vehicle, safety is the top concern for most drivers.
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