70% of German Highways Allow Speeds Over 130 km/h
"Speed Limits Must Be Introduced," Environmental Groups Strongly Demand
A German climate group removed unlimited speed limit signs on the Autobahn, calling for speed limits on highways. On the 2nd, Yonhap News reported, "The climate group Extinction Rebellion dismantled signs on three outer ring roads in Berlin and on highways 12 and 13 in Brandenburg on the night of the 31st of last month." A group activist said, "If the government does not take simple measures like speed limits despite the climate crisis, we will take action ourselves." The police plan to investigate on suspicion of theft.
About 70% of Germany's Autobahn sections have no speed limits and are not monitored even if drivers exceed the recommended speed of 130 km/h. German traffic authorities hesitate to expand speed limit zones because drivers oppose them. In an opinion poll last April, 52% of respondents supported speed limits on the Autobahn, while 42% opposed, showing a closely divided stance.
The debate over speed limits on the Autobahn is not new. Climate groups argue that introducing speed limits could reduce annual CO2 emissions by 11.7 million tons and also decrease traffic accidents and casualties. The citizen group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) stated, "Except for Germany, North Korea, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Haiti, all European countries and developed nations impose speed limits on highways," adding, "It costs no tax money and actually saves billions of euros by reducing traffic accidents."
On the other hand, driver organizations criticize speed limits on the Autobahn as "a symbol of freedom," saying "speed limits do not align with the sentiments and common sense of Germans." Some argue that imposing speed limits on the Autobahn could shrink the automobile industry and cause employment insecurity, as the Autobahn serves as a stage for German automotive driving and symbolizes quality.
Previously, in 2019, controversy arose when a report from a private committee under the German government, discussing transport and environmental policies, leaked recommending a maximum speed limit of 130 km/h on the Autobahn. In February of the following year, the German Federal Parliament voted on this proposal, but it was rejected as it failed to secure a majority.
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