The police to take action on speeding at a lower threshold

Promoting traffic safety is one of the key objectives of the police, which is why traffic safety enforcement will be intensified further.

Finns drive more often above the speed limit than Europeans on average

In 2023, the Finnish Road Safety Council reported an international ESRA3 study, according to which Finnish drivers drive clearly more often above the speed limit than drivers in other European countries on average. In the 30 days preceding the survey, three out of four Finnish drivers said that they had driven above the speed limit at least once, both in urban areas and on roads. This is significantly more than the average in the other respondent countries. The study also showed that speeding is considered more acceptable in Finland than in many other European countries.

The speed data collected from automatic measuring stations for Fintraffic’s Driving Speeds on Roads 2023 report indicates a comprehensive culture of speeding. About half of Finnish motorists drive over the speed limit in summer and winter or regardless of the type of road.

Risk of unprotected traffic

From the viewpoint of the safety of unprotected traffic, in other words pedestrians, cyclists and those riding an e-scooter, the difference between the speeds of 30 km/h and 40 km/h is dramatic. Where a driver driving at a speed of 30 km/h has brought the vehicle to a standstill by braking after a one-second reaction time, a driver driving at a speed of 40 km/h still has a speed of well over 30 km/h at the same point. 

“The speed of the collision determines what kinds of chances unprotected traffic has to survive. This underlines the importance of speed limits, especially in built-up areas, where pedestrians and cyclists face the biggest risk. Many children also go to school in built-up areas,” says Assistant Police Commissioner Pasi Rissanen.

An increasing number of Finnish towns have lowered speed limits in recent years, for example in town centres. Compliance with these speed limits should be monitored.

Positive impacts of reduced speed

It is important to note that the speed limits for each road and street are set by the party responsible for the maintenance of the road or street, while the police are responsible for monitoring the speed limits set. Reducing the speed brings significant benefits to traffic safety. Studies show that smaller speed reduces the number of accidents involving personal injury and the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries. According to the WHO, a 5 per cent decrease in average speeds can reduce traffic fatalities by up to 30 per cent.

In addition, the increase in travel times remains moderate, and fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions come down, which supports a sustainable transport system.

Why does speed always matter?

Studies show that when a large number of drivers increase their speed even slightly, the effects are seen directly in accident statistics. An increase in speed increases the braking distance, reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the impact energy, which can raise the risk of serious accidents. The Safe Traffic 2025 research programme by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has highlighted that large-scale, seemingly minor cases of exceeding the speed limit can pose a significant safety challenge.

Objective of traffic enforcement

“Intensifying traffic enforcement is not only about sanctioning drivers, it is also about preventive action,” says Assistant Chief Superintendent Pasi Rissanen. When drivers are more aware of what it means to drive above the speed limit even just a little, the traffic environment can be made safer for all road users.

The purpose of speed surveillance is to ensure that all drivers understand the importance of speed limits for traffic safety and follow the limits consistently. The police and traffic enforcement have an important role in ensuring the traffic safety of Finns. In accordance with the National Road Safety Strategy, Finland has a goal to achieve a zero vision in road safety by 2050, in other words zero traffic deaths.  More active intervention in speeding will take us towards safer traffic.

The police encourage all drivers to pay attention to their driving speed and to follow the limits without compromise. Even small changes in the way you drive can mean a big difference in road safety.