H-day: the day when right-hand traffic was introduced in Sweden

In 1967 in Sweden the Day has come "H". September 3 in the country there was a switch to right-hand automobile traffic. Although it was officially introduced at the beginning of the XVIII century, it was later canceled. And in the 19th century, because of the low traffic intensity on city roads, it was impossible to distinguish between right-and left - hand traffic. By 1967, Sweden was the only country in continental Europe that had left-hand traffic.

Since Sweden was often visited by residents of Denmark, Norway and Finland, the transition to left-hand traffic was accompanied with some difficulties. Many motorists were often not prepared for sudden changes and acted out of habit, resulting in accidents. Preparations for the transition began in the 50s, but in the 1955 referendum, the overwhelming majority was against the innovation. However, in 1963, the Parliament decided to make changes and created a Commission to adapt to the new rules. Special buses were purchased with the steering wheel located on the right. Public transport, which was used in Sweden at that time, was also adapted: additional doors were added on the right. A booklet with detailed information about the transition was published for the public.

"H" day took place on Sunday and started at 5 am. At first, the authorities introduced a speed limit for cars in large localities. Under the old rules, only railway transport and the metro worked. Most tram tracks had to be dismantled and replaced with other types of transport. This event affected Iceland, where a similar event with the same name Day "H", took place in 1968.