A worker installs a 40km/h speed limit sign in Phnom Penh recently. TNN
A senior official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced that accurate speed limit signs have been installed on all roads in urban areas.
Ministry spokesperson Phorn Rim revealed this on February 26, following an initiative by the Kampong Thom provincial transport department to erect additional speed postings, aimed at enhancing drivers’ understanding that the speed limit in urban areas is 40km/h, as part of efforts to reduce road accidents.
Rim explained that the installation of these signboards by the department serves as an extra step in heightening drivers’ awareness in urban and accident-prone areas.
“Speed limit signs are not just in urban areas, but also on all roads to remind users to remain vigilant and prevent danger and harm to others,” he stated.
Rim also noted that the ministry, keeping in mind urban zones, had previously issued guidelines to reduce the maximum speed limit in school zones to 30km/h.
He said the change aligns with the resolutions of the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in Stockholm, Sweden, in February 2020.
Chou Kolla, director of the provincial transport department, stated on February 26 that existing signs were being reinstalled to improve drivers’ awareness of the limit.
He noted that postings would be placed along national roads across the province, with current efforts focused on installing signs along National Road (NR) 6 in Stung Sen town – the provincial capital – and then extending to other provincial roads.
“These signboards are meant to decrease traffic accidents in urban areas and to inform drivers about speeds in both urban and non-urban areas,” he said.
Kim Pagna, country director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation, noted that the speed limits in urban areas should be known by those who have undergone driving training.
However, he pointed out that regardless of whether there are signs, drivers must slow down in urban areas.
Pagna stressed the importance of having more speed limit indicators and to make these signs internationally standard, considering the roads are used by both Cambodians and foreigners.
“I would urge the relevant ministries and institutions to make the signs universally recognised, as not only our citizens but also foreigners drive on those roads. The added signboards seem to cater only to our citizens,” he noted.
Pagna also called on traffic police officers to strengthen the enforcement of the law transparently, while urging the public to comply with safety measures and respect traffic laws to minimise the risk of accidents to themselves and others.
