A five-year campaign to implement 30km/h speed limits around schools in Georgia has been recognised with a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
Georgian NGO, Partnership for Road Safety (PfRS), supported by EASST and the FIA Foundation, has successfully transformed road safety policy and infrastructure around more than 300 schools, protecting approximately 180,000 children on their daily journeys to and from school, and catalysing local municipal investments of an estimated $1.7 million in infrastructure changes.
What began in January 2021 as a targeted advocacy campaign has evolved into a nationwide strategy. The project's biggest achievement came in 2024 when 30km/h school zones were formally adopted as a recommendation in Georgia's National Road Safety Action Plan. This means that all 69 municipalities in Georgia have received guidance to reduce speed limits to 30km/h around schools.
On presenting the Award to EASST, on behalf of PfRS, at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in London on 25 November, Prince Michael noted “the impressive way in which this project demonstrates both reach and commitment, exceeding initial objectives, despite a fragmented political environment.”
Indeed, the project far exceeded its initial target of securing commitments from five municipalities, achieving engagement with 18 local authorities to date. At each of the 300+ schools involved, comprehensive infrastructure improvements have been implemented, including speed bumps, zebra crossings, and highly reflective signage. These elements are now recommended as minimum requirements for all schools.
PfRS's locally-driven approach proved crucial to success. Rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all solution, the organisation conducted in-depth research in each municipality, working closely with local officials, NGOs, and community members. This grassroots work, which included meetings with school communities, authorities, and police in every participating municipality, was supported by strategic national advocacy and more than 80 television and radio appearances.
With 30km/h school zones now an official national recommendation, PfRS is shifting focus towards implementation support and accountability. The organisation is working to expand the initiative to all 69 municipalities in Georgia whilst campaigning for further legislative changes to reduce speed tolerances. As part of a wider regional project to improve school zone safety, the Georgian model is an example for all our EASST partners working towards a similar goal.
