Since January 1, 2024, the Czech Republic has adopted the speed limit of 150 km/h on motorways. In Italy, this measure will soon come into force, offering excellent news for motorists in both countries.
In the European Union, although the Highway Code is tending to harmonize, there is no common rule concerning speed limitsespecially on motorways. For example, in France, the speed limit on motorways is generally 130 km/h, while in neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Spain or Portugal, the standard is rather 120 km/h.
Germany is an often-cited exception, as there are no speed limits on its motorways, except on certain sections deemed dangerous, where signs indicate the restrictions. Some environmentalists are campaigning for a speed limit on German motorways, but this initiative has not yet come to fruition.
Motorways: these countries which are increasing speed limits
The German government favours the personal responsibility of drivers, allowing unrestricted driving on certain sections of motorway, provided that other road users are not endangered. This approach accountability and trust towards motorists is also adopted by other neighbouring countries, such as the Czech Republic and Italy. Czech Republica new law was approved, and the speed limit will increase to 150 km/h has been in place since January 1, 2024 on sections of motorways marked by signs indicating 150, instead of the current 130 km/h. Italythe Ministry of Transport also wants to increase the speed limit to 150 km/h on more than 1,500 km of motorways, mainly on the widest sections (2 x 3 lanes of traffic). However, radars will be installed to prevent speeding.
Motorways: little chance of seeing speed limit of 150 km/h in France
Can we consider a 150 km/h speed limit on French motorways? In all honesty, this is unlikely to happen. Unlike some of our neighbours, the trend in France is more towards restrictions and sanctions than towards accountability and trust in drivers. Recently, discussions have focused more on reducing the maximum speed limit on French motorways, citing road safety and ecological reasons. Some members of the current government have even proposed to set the limit at 110 km/h, before backing out.
For the moment, the speed limit on French motorways stays at 130 km/h. The still vivid memory of the reduction to 80 km/h on secondary roads, a measure that is gradually being abandoned in favour of the return to 90 km/h, is not unrelated to this decision. In addition, the current social climate, already tense, would not allow the addition of new constraints without risking provoking further discontent.
Crédit photo : Shutterstock
Source: www.autoplus.fr
