Residents in Ramberg, Lofoten say their main street feels like a racetrack. Cars legally travel at 50 km/h through the town center where children play. 'This exit is very difficult to see,' said local resident Ann-Kristin Windstad. She and others want lower speed limits to prevent accidents.
Flakstad Municipality has repeatedly asked to reduce speeds from 50 to 40 km/h. They want speed bumps installed for added safety. The mayor supports these changes, but state road authorities keep saying no.
Norway has a 'zero vision' policy aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. Yet municipalities across the country face rejection when requesting lower speed limits.
In Meløy, local government wanted slower speeds through the town center. County authorities refused, arguing current limits meet safety criteria. They noted the road already has crosswalks, good visibility and lighting.
Similar battles are happening nationwide. Indre Østfold sought to lower limits from 80 to 50 km/h near Skjønhaug center. State road officials denied this request, saying the area isn't officially classified as densely populated.
Ramberg actually qualifies as densely populated but still got rejected. 'We fear it will take an accident before something happens,' said Flakstad Mayor Einar Benjaminsen.
Professional driver Lars Harald Windstad has driven throughout Lofoten. He believes Ramberg needs both speed bumps and a 40 km/h zone. 'It's just luck that there hasn't been an accident there yet,' he said.
Odd Anders Magnussen, a senior engineer with state road authorities, explained their decision process. 'All speed limits are based on thorough professional assessments,' he said. He noted no traffic accidents have been recorded on this section of E10 through Ramberg in 20 years.
While Oslo successfully lowered limits on nearly 40 municipal roads this year, and Hamar won approval for similar changes, Flakstad continues fighting.
New speed limit criteria are now under consideration nationwide. The main proposal suggests starting with 30 km/h as the default in populated areas, only increasing where road conditions allow.
This represents a potential shift in Norway's approach to traffic safety, though local communities wonder why they must wait for tragedy before changes occur.