The majority of Austrians still reject a 100 km/h speed limit on the autobahn. However, compared to the last study in June 2022, approval has increased. At the time, a total of 68 percent were against, but that share has now fallen to 59 percent.
37 percent are strict, another 22 percent are more against, according to a current survey by the opinion research institute Unique Research for the current issue of the news magazine “profil”. Only 16 percent would “very” welcome the speed reduction for reasons of climate protection, another 21 percent are “rather” in favour. Five percent doubted.
Rejection by the ministry
Minister of Climate Protection and Transport Leonore Gewessler (Greens) rejected a lower speed limit in the summer, but thinks it makes sense (see video above).
“Low speed leads to fewer road deaths, reduces climate-damaging emissions and also saves money thanks to lower fuel consumption. However, there is no majority in the National Council for a legal change to the speed limits. ÖVP, SPÖ, FPÖ and NEOS have spoken out against it. That is of course acceptable in our democracy,” said the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management at the beginning of February. At the same time, a call was made to drive more slowly.
Time 130 in EU that Rule
The ÖAMTC pointed out that Tempo 130 is not an exception in the EU, but the rule. That applies to the EU, but if you look at Europe as a whole, it becomes clear that the Scandinavian countries, which also have significantly lower road fatalities, have lower speed limits. Norway has the lowest number of road deaths per million inhabitants in Europe at 15, according to data from the European Traffic Safety Council.
The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h in twelve EU Member States – in Denmark, France, Italy, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Seven EU countries have a speed limit of 120 km/h: Belgium, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden and Spain. The maximum allowed speed in Cyprus is 110 km/h. In the Netherlands, a maximum speed of 100 km/h applies during the day.
In Bulgaria and Poland the maximum speed is 140 km/h. Germany is the only country in Europe that does not have a general speed limit on motorways. The neighboring country has been fighting over a speed limit for years. In the current traffic light coalition, the FDP is against this.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
