Road Victims 2013-2023; Credit: MMTP

On Thursday 30 January 2025, Luxembourg's Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, presented the new National Plan "Road Safety 2024-2028" (PNSR), the result of collaboration between various state and non-state actors concerned with road safety in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The National Plan "Road Safety 2024-2028", approved on 29 November 2024 by the cabinet of the government (Government Council), is part of the international strategy of the "Vision Zero" objective. This third action plan focuses on prevention, awareness-raising and also on combating the main causes of serious and fatal accidents.

Current situation in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, statistics show that vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and drivers of motorised two-wheelers) are among those most affected by serious and fatal accidents.

Based on an in-depth analysis of the current situation, the PNSR targets the main causes of serious accidents, such as excessive speed, alcohol, drugs and distractions related to the use of the telephone while driving, through preventive and repressive measures.

In addition to general measures, the plan focuses particularly on the safety of vulnerable road users, by introducing specific actions to improve their protection. This includes improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as awareness campaigns aimed at promoting more safety-conscious driving.

Structure of the National Plan "Road Safety 2024-2028"

The PNSR is structured around four main thematic axes (Human behaviour; Legislation; Monitoring and control; and Road infrastructure) and 20 concrete measures to address the various factors affecting road safety and mitigate the consequences of collisions. Its objective is to create a safer road environment and significantly reduce the number of accidents.

This evolving plan takes up the priorities of the 2023-2028 coalition agreement, while allowing for the addition of additional measures depending on needs, technological innovations or changes in user behaviour.

1. Human behaviour

Human errors remain one of the main causes of accidents. This field focuses on mutual respect between road users, the ability to drive and anticipate dangers (risk awareness) and the promotion of safe practices, in particular through (a) driving training for students and instructors, and (b) awareness-raising and prevention.

2. Legislation

Laws and regulations govern safety behaviour and standards, and must be adapted to new technologies, road insecurities and social development. This scope aims to ensure an up-to-date legal framework adapted to current road safety challenges. The PNSR measures concern in particular (a) the review of sanctions, and (b) the adaptation of the Highway Code.

3. Surveillance and control

To ensure compliance with the Highway Code, strict surveillance and enforcement of the rules are essential. This scope emphasises the importance of regular checks and dissuasive sanctions. It thus focuses on (a) control using automated radars, and (b) reinforced control by the Grand Ducal police.

4. Road infrastructure

This scope focuses on improving roads, signage and the road environment to reduce the risk of accidents and improve passive safety on public roads.

Traffic must be clear, simple and harmonised, allowing users to drive safely without endangering others. The measures are divided between (a) securing infrastructure for motorised users, and (b) securing infrastructure for vulnerable users.

During the presentation of the PNSR, the Minister recalled: "With the national plan 'Road Safety 2024-2028', the government reaffirms its commitment to implementing all necessary actions to reduce road accidents and protect human lives. This involves not only strengthening infrastructure and adapting signage, but also implementing concrete actions to raise awareness among users, strengthen controls and adjust legislation to technological and behavioual developments. Each aspect of road safety, whether it concerns vulnerable or motorized users, requires a specific and targeted approach."