Call for Zero: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In June 2025, AutoMat and Initiative Zero jointly launched Challenge Zero. With the subtitle “No More Deaths on Our Streets,” the campaign calls on Prague’s city council and officials to stop ignoring the fact that the most vulnerable road users—pedestrians and cyclists—are the least protected. It demands a change that would lead to a true zero in the number of people killed in traffic collisions. Here, we offer answers to the most frequently asked questions about the initiative.

Why “Zero”? What is the goal of the Call?

The “Zero” in the name refers to our goal: zero road deaths. It also nods to the Nordic Vision Zero project, which has shown that achieving zero traffic fatalities is a realistic and attainable goal. However, success depends on the willingness of politicians to take responsibility and systematically prioritize traffic safety.

The goal of Call for Zero is to help build a city where people can move freely—without fear for their health or the lives of their loved ones.

Why are you collecting signatures? How many do you need?

Call for Zero is currently in its first phase: raising awareness and activating the public. In the second phase, we will call on political parties to include the zero-deaths goal in their platforms for the 2026 Prague municipal elections.

We are collecting signatures to create civic pressure on politicians and officials. The aim is to gather enough signatures to demonstrate strong public interest in changing the approach to traffic safety. The more signatures we collect, the stronger our voice becomes. There is no fixed upper limit.

Who can sign?

This is not a formal petition. Anyone can sign the appeal—regardless of age, residence, or citizenship.

What exactly are you demanding?

The core demand of Call for Zero is for politicians and officials to adopt the goal of zero traffic fatalities as a policy priority. International experience shows that this can be achieved primarily through long-term strategies for implementing safe infrastructure, and through systematic investment in safer public spaces.

This includes measures based on sustainable safety principles. A good example is the principle of separated infrastructure, which physically separates road users (e.g. by speed or vulnerability), reducing the risk of dangerous collisions.

Another path to safer traffic is the principle of responsibility hierarchy: responsibility for safety should be proportional to the potential harm a road user can cause. The vulnerability of children, seniors, and cyclists should be positively reflected in infrastructure design.

One systemic measure is reducing speed limits in cities. This doesn’t mean a blanket 30 km/h limit everywhere, but rather a reversal in the logic of how speed is set. Instead of reducing speed in selected areas, the city could adopt 30 km/h as the default, with increases permitted only where it is demonstrably safe.

What is your relationship to other projects inspired by Vision Zero?

Challenge Zero shares its goals with the Nordic Vision Zero program, which proved that zero fatalities on the road is an achievable target. In the Czech Republic, Vision Zero has also inspired programs run by BESIP and the insurance company Kooperativa, which focus mainly on public education. While these efforts share the same goal, Challenge Zero advocates for systemic change. At present, there is no formal cooperation between these initiatives.

How can I support you?

Right now, the most valuable way to support us is by signing the appeal. By signing, you’ll also share your email address, which allows us to contact you in the future with specific opportunities to get involved in Call for Zero activities.

You can also help by collecting signatures in person. If you’re interested, please email robin.bures@auto-mat.cz, and we’ll discuss next steps.

Does it make a difference?

It does.