Drivers on residential roads in Japan are now subject to a reduced speed limit of 30km/h (18.6mph). This change, which came into effect on Tuesday, halves the previous limit of 60km/h (37mph).
The new restriction applies to residential roads that do not have a centre line or maximum speed signs. Media reports indicate that these measures cover approximately 870,000km of roads, representing about 70% of the country's general roads.
Authorities hope the reduced speed limit will enhance safety for pedestrians on narrow urban streets. Data suggests that children and older people are particularly vulnerable to accidents on these types of roads.
The police agency's commissioner general, Yoshinobu Kusunoki, has asked drivers to "recognise that they need to take particular care on roads shared by vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists."