Mobile Speed Signs Reveal Widespread Double-Speeding Near Tampere Schools

Data compiled by the Regional Centre for Prosperity of Central Finland on portable speed displays in Pirkanmaa show many sites around Tampere had high rates of speeding during measurements carried out in summer and autumn last year.

Overall, 58 percent of drivers passing the portable displays were recorded speeding. At Kaitavedentie, between Nurmi and Sorila, roughly 6,000 vehicles were sampled and 62 percent exceeded the 50 km/h limit; the top speed there was 124 km/h. Another display on Kaitavedentie by the Kämmenniemenkatu junction measured a maximum of 130 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, with about 3,000 vehicles and 54 percent speeding.

Speeds were often alarmingly high. Terälahdentie was particularly worrying: in a 60 km/h zone 76 percent of drivers exceeded the limit and 35 percent drove more than 10 km/h above it; the highest speed recorded was 132 km/h. On Aitoniementie, on the straight before Sorilanraitti close to the Olkahisten School Sorila campus, a display in a 40 km/h zone recorded a top speed of 80 km/h. Niemikyläntie had relatively low traffic but a top speed of 98 km/h in a 40 km/h zone near Terälahden School. On Nokiantie before the Likolammen junction, thousands passed in July and 74 percent exceeded the 50 km/h limit, with a maximum speed of 113 km/h.

The Regional Centre says the portable displays are used both to influence driver behaviour and to collect speed data, with placements prioritised where pedestrian and cycling safety are at risk. It found the largest share of speeding occurred in 30–40 km/h areas and says targeted measures are especially important at town entrances, near schools and in busy pedestrian environments. Use of the portable speed displays will continue this year.