Quick change on Dutch freeways
2012-09-12 06:51
FASTER IS GOOD: The upper speed limit on about half of all Netherlands motorways has been raised to 130km/h - but on some that applies only at night.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - The Netherlands has raised the maximum speed limit on some of its motorways to 130km/h.
It's the first time in 25 years that the regular maximum permitted motorway speed limit of either 100 or 120km/h has been increased and it took effect in September 2012.
It applies to about half of the nation's motorway network.
HIGH-SPEED HIGHWAYS
The government said it hoped the higher speed would help speed up the traffic flow on the country's heavily-used high-speed highways. At 57.5km per 1000 square km, the Netherlands has the most dense motorway network in the European Union.
The move was criticised by the Dutch ANWB motoring club. It said the new speed limit applied on some sections of the motorway only after dark. This would confuse motorists, the club claimed.
Whatever, it will be interesting to monitor the change in accident rates - up or down - in the Netherlands over coming months. Especially as South Africa's Western Cape province is looking to reduce all speed limits.
