In a bid to improve road safety, Luxembourg's government has introduced a four-year plan featuring harsher penalties, expanded speed camera use, and enhanced cycling infrastructure, among other things.

At the unveiling of the National Road Safety Plan 2024-2028, Minister for Mobility Yuriko Backes announced stricter penalties for traffic violations, alongside enhanced enforcement and prevention measures.

The plan aims to address rising road safety concerns and modernise Luxembourg's 30-year-old penalty system, which the Minister described as outdated.

Stricter penalties and enhanced enforcement

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will face harsher penalties under the new plan. A dedicated task force will determine the specifics of these measures.

Additionally, speed enforcement will be intensified, with new SPECS cameras installed on identified road stretches and mobile speed cameras deployed, including those for construction zones. The Ministry is also exploring the use of devices to detect mobile phone use while driving, though no standardised system has been adopted yet.

Motorcyclists will also come under greater scrutiny, as they account for up to a fifth of road fatalities in some years, according to Alain Disiviscour of the Ministry of Mobility. To streamline enforcement, the Ministry plans to replace complex legal procedures with fixed "flat rate" penalties where feasible, addressing the overburdened judiciary system.

Prevention and education initiatives

The plan emphasises prevention, with road safety education potentially integrated into school curricula. Reforms to driver training and improved standards for driving instructors have also been announced to enhance road safety from the ground up.

Infrastructure improvements

Infrastructure safety remains a priority. Hedges will replace trees along roadsides to reduce hazards, while cycling safety will be improved through measures such as red-marked cycle paths and signage reminding drivers to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from cyclists.