We are delighted to share that the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) have been presented with a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in recognition of their outstanding success in achieving national acceptance of the importance of 30km/h speed limits around high-risk schools.

Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards recognise innovation and achievement. With the support of EASST and the FIA Foundation Advocacy Hub, the award-winning project aimed to obtain a policy commitment from national and local authorities to establish 30km/h speed limits in areas where vulnerable road users and motorised traffic mix, particularly around schools.

After an intensive advocacy campaign, which included piloting traffic calming measures and 30km/h speed limits at high-risk schools, the project gained national support. The National Road Traffic Regulations were amended with 30km/h zones becoming mandatory on all streets around educational institutions, historic town/city centers, parks and other public areas.

As of now, more than 30 schools spanning five municipalities have implemented speed reductions and traffic calming infrastructure. At least 10 of these schools were covered as part of our project. The remainder have been implemented on the initiative of the local authorities themselves who we are continuing to support to ensure best practice is followed.  Furthermore, zero fatalities have been registered at the pilot schools since speed limits have been reduced and traffic calming measures were installed. Preliminary speed measurements also show a 10-15km/h reduction in operational speeds in the same areas.

 This project took a multifaceted approach that not only aimed to lower vehicle speeds but to also foster a culture of safety and responsibility among road users and authorities. The ACM implemented awareness-raising and educational campaigns about the benefits of reduced speed limits as well as ongoing collaborations to build capacity within local municipalities and among the Traffic Police ensures effective enforcement and sustainability of the initiative. By prioritizing the safety of vulnerable road users in high-risk areas, the project sets a benchmark for creating safer, more livable communities through strategic speed management. This is a first for Moldova, which is also one of few countries globally to have 30km/h urban speed limits written in to law. 

 Lower speed limits significantly enhance pedestrian safety, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The legal amendment which stipulates mandatory 30km/h speed limits also aims to integrate ‘best practice’ traffic calming measures, including the installation of speed bumps, secured crosswalks, and prominent modern signage to alert drivers that they are entering a low speed zone. During the course of the project, the country’s first raised zebra crossing was installed as a demonstration of best practice, and now there are now 20.  

 We are so proud of these achievements and look forward to Moldova’s new National Road Safety Strategy, which will see further commitments to 30km/h speed limits in urban areas.

The given project has received international recognition for the third time. The Automobile Club of Moldova was also awarded the prestigious FIA President’s Road Safety Award in December 2023 and received the Vision Zero for Youth award in November 2024 for its significant contribution to road safety and leadership in the initiative related to 30km/h policy change.