Amsterdam council workers are preparing the capital for the new maximum speed of 30 kilometres per hour on most roads by placing some 4,400 new traffic signs and adapting 170 traffic lights from Monday.

The traffic slowing measure, which will take effect from December 8, will increase safety and reduce serious accidents by 20 to 30%, the council said.

Traffic will slow down to 30 kph in over 80% of roads in Amsterdam but buses that have their own lanes and trams will still be allowed a speed of up to 50 kph.

“The city will be quieter, and being outside will be a more pleasant experience,” the council said.

A campaign to raise awareness for the measure called “We do 30 for each other” will start this week, and includes teaching material for schools which will show pupils the impact of an accident at 30 and 50 kph.

The reduction of the maximum speed is just one of the council’s measures to cut car use and traffic problems. The so-called “knip”, which cut off a main artery into the city to reduce traffic nuisance caused outrage among many Amsterdammers this summer.

A similar reaction may be expected to the “Palenplan”, a pilot to restrict access to western parts of the city centre centre planned for this autumn. That involves closing off bridges and some roads to cars in the Jordaan district.

The new 30 kph speed limit will also “take some getting use to”, the council said. Check the impact on where you live here.