Walking-speed zones and home streets (gatetun) are shared areas where vulnerable road users come first. Drivers must slow to walking pace, communicate clearly and leave plenty of space for play, deliveries and social life.
Characteristics
| Area | Typical layout | Core rule |
|---|---|---|
| Walking-speed zone | Signed street with mixed traffic | Keep walking speed, give way to pedestrians |
| Home street | Residential street designed as living space | Same duties as walking-speed zone |
See Built-up area and City driving for wider context.
Signs and layout
| Element | Sign/feature | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Zone start | Sign 548 | Slow to walking speed before the sign |
| Zone end | Sign 549 | Resume higher speed only after the sign |
| Home street | Sign 552 | Expect street furniture and playing children |
| Physical design | Raised kerbs, planters, benches | Keep distance and avoid sudden steering |
Refer to Traffic signs and road markings for complete symbols.
Speed and interaction
- Stay at walking pace (5–7 km/h) and be ready to stop instantly
- Make eye contact with pedestrians, prams and cyclists
- Signal intention with gentle movements and timely indicators
- Give extra room near cafés, play areas and building entrances
Helpful driving techniques: Lane positioning and driving style.
Give-way and crossings
| Situation | Duty | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrians and cyclists in the zone | Always give way | Come to a full stop and invite them through |
| Leaving the zone | Give way to all other traffic | Check mirrors and blind spots before crossing the pavement |
| Entering the zone | Reduce to walking speed immediately | Use hazard lights during larger deliveries for visibility |
| Loading and servicing | Give priority to vulnerable users | Use a guide when reversing or manoeuvring long vehicles |
Need a refresher on pedestrian rules? See Pedestrian crossings and right of way.
Deliveries and service vehicles
- Plan timing to avoid peak activity.
- Announce your stop with indicators and smooth positioning.
- Keep a 1.5 m corridor clear for pedestrians and mobility aids.
- Avoid reversing blind; use a spotter or choose another manoeuvre.
- Switch off the engine during longer stops; see Idling rules.
Stopping and parking
- Park only in signed bays or marked loading pockets
- Never block entrances, refuse rooms or fire access routes
- Respect time limits and local permits shown on supplementary plates
- Remove vehicles promptly once the task is complete
More detail: Parking rules and Where parking is forbidden.
Enforcement and sanctions
| Checked item | Possible outcome | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Excess speed | On-the-spot fine | Use first gear and no throttle |
| Parking in play area | Parking ticket or tow-away | Only use marked bays |
| Reversing without assistance | Warnings or penalties | Bring a guide or choose forward exit |
| Blocking emergency access | Serious sanctions | Maintain a clear emergency corridor |
Read Emergency corridor in queues to keep escape routes open for responders.
Frequent mistakes
| Mistake | Risk | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Driving faster than walking pace | Collisions with pedestrians | Stay in first gear and glide |
| Failing to yield | Conflicts with vulnerable users | Stop completely and wave them through |
| Parking outside marked bays | Blocks social space and access | Obey signage and time limits |
| Blind reversing | Property damage and injuries | Use mirrors, guides and Reversing and parking |