Speed walkers could be hauled before the authorities in a tiny European country after the government announced plans to fine pavement users who exceed 3.7 miles per hour. Pacey pedestrians perhaps pounding the pavement to the office can easily clock four or five mph, but now they could fall foul of the speed limit set in Slovakia.
The bizarre new law in the European country, favoured by Brits looking for a city break on a budget, will come into effect from January 1 next year and those behind the legislation claim it crack down on skaters, scooters and e-bike riders who are using the pavements.
It’s not yet clear how police in cities like the capital Bratislava will implement the fines, but so far the law has yet to face opposition enough to see it cancelled.
However, the Mail Online reports Dan Kollar, president of the Cyklokoalicia group that supports walking and cycling, called the new fines “nonsensical” and said the changes were not justified “in any way”.
He told AFP: “At such a low speed, it’s hard to maintain balance and even three- to four-year-old children (on bikes) routinely exceed it.”
It’s reported the Slovak Parliament approved the amendment in late October, with the law set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
After criticism online, Police Vice-President Rastislav Polakovič claimed it was “not true” walkers would be affected. He said: “Several media outlets linked this 6 km/h speed measurement to pedestrians walking. I must point out that this is not true.”
However, under the new law children under 10-years-old will no longer be permitted to ride bicycles on pavements as it was claimed “a three-year-old on a bike can easily exceed 6 km/h”.
According to the RAC, tourists should also keep in mind speed limits if they are driving in Slovakia “the speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, 90km/h on open roads and 130km/h on motorways”.
The motoring organisation added: “Slovakia has a zero-tolerance policy on drink and drug-driving. The limit for all drivers 0.00%. Police can test any driver suspected of being over the limit, and refusing to take a test could see you fined up to €1,300.”