Socio-Political Consensus as a Foundation for Traffic Safety

Authors

Timotej Matej Zagorc
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8735-4421
Boštjan Koritnik
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7123-4693
Maja Meško
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Synopsis

The chapter examines speed cameras as a road safety measure whose significance extends beyond the mere technical detection of speeding violations. It is based on the understanding of traffic safety as a matter of public interest, requiring the integration of professional, technical-operational, and political perspectives while taking into account user experiences in the traffic environment. The aim of the chapter is to connect theoretical insights on traffic safety, social legitimacy, and public perception with empirical evidence on stakeholders’ views. The study is based on three semi-structured interviews with stakeholders representing technical, professional, and political domains. The findings indicate that speed cameras are more socially acceptable when they are professionally and data-driven justified, technically reliable, proportionate, and clearly communicated to the public. A particular risk arises when their road safety purpose becomes blurred and the measure is perceived primarily as a tool of punishment. The paper concludes that socio-political consensus is a key condition for the long-term effectiveness of road safety measures, as it links safety objectives, institutional responsibility, and public trust.

Author Biographies

Timotej Matej Zagorc, University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Timotej Matej Zagorc is an active student representative and emerging leader engaged in higher education, organizational development, and student advocacy. As Vice Dean for Student Affairs at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor, he contributed to enhancing the student experience, strengthening collaboration between students and faculty leadership, and promoting student engagement. His work is characterized by responsibility, collaboration, and a strong commitment to advancing quality education and an inclusive academic community.

Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: t.m.zagorc@gmail.com

Boštjan Koritnik, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law

 

Boštjan Koritnik is a university graduate jurist with a remarkably diverse professional background. Throughout his career, he has served as a stock market commentator for Delo, Director of GV Založba and Co-Director of Ius Software, President of the Appeals Tribunal of the ABA Basketball League, Minister of Public Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, Head of Public Relations, and more. The COBISS bibliographic database lists more than 300 contributions under his name. He served as Secretary General of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana for five years, collaborated with three cryptocurrency companies, and remains a shareholder in several start-up ventures. Since 2008, he has also held various positions in non-governmental organizations, including Secretary General of the Association of Jurists’ Societies of Slovenia and Editor-in-Chief of Pravnik, the oldest Slovenian (and formerly Yugoslav) scientific law journal. Currently, he serves as Head of Legal Content at Tax-Fin-Lex Ltd.., Assistant Researcher at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana, and Product Manager at GlobalPharmacia Group Ltd. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of the Ljubljana University Incubator (LUI). Since 2022, he is additionally serving as a City Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Ljubljana. In 2019, he was a co-recipient of the Slovenian Jurist of the Year award. Although trained as a lawyer, he is an entrepreneur at heart and an enthusiast of psychology, sports, and the sharing of knowledge—both acquiring it and passing it on to others.

Ljubljana, Slovenia. E-mail: bostjan.koritnik@pf.uni-lj.si

Maja Meško, University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Maja Meško is a full professor at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor. She holds a PhD in kinesiology and is also a tenured professor of kinesiology (sport science) at the Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana. Her research interests include management, managerial psychology, workplace health, and leadership. She has participated and continues to participate in numerous professional activities and is the author and co-author of many scientific and professional papers.

 Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: maja.mesko@um.si

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Published

July 22, 2026

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Zagorc, T. M., Koritnik, B., & Meško, M. (2026). Socio-Political Consensus as a Foundation for Traffic Safety. In M. Marič & S. Živković (Eds.), Prometna varnost v lokalnem okolju: problemsko-učno sodelovanje z Intermatic d.o.o. (pp. 55-112). University of Maribor Press. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.7.2026.2