Shooting off somewhere over the Easter holiday weekend? You might be interested to hear that the speed limit has been increased on stretches of certain Dutch roads, as part of a test that weighs up giving more freedom to drivers against environmental concerns. 

New, faster speed limits on three motorways in the Netherlands

Barry Madlener, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, announced that a 24/7 speed limit of 130 kilometres per hour would, as of this week, apply on certain parts of the Dutch motorways. 

For now, the new daytime speed limit is limited to three sections of road:

• The A7-Afsluitdijk, between Stevinsluizen and Lorentzsluizen
• The A7 between the Winschoten junction and the border with Germany
• The A6 between Lelystad-Noord and the Ketelbrug

By the summer, a fourth section of road with a 130-km/h speed limit will be added on the A37 between the Holssloot junction and the Zwartemeer junction. All together, 117 kilometres of motorway will be subject to the new speed limit. 

Dutch government wants to give more freedom to drivers

The measure forms part of the Car Action Agenda, put together by the Dutch government, which aims at “car mobility and more freedom for motorists.” The package of measures is intended to make new housing accessible, increase traffic safety, maintain the road network and reduce traffic jams. 

“Driving a car is important for people and companies,” said Madlener in a press release. “The car offers flexibility, speed and comfort… We think it is important that you are allowed to drive at 130km/h during the day.” 

The new speed limits are part of a phased approach, meaning that the ministry eventually intends to implement a 130 km/h speed limit on more stretches of road. In the meantime, it will test whether the maximum speed limit can be increased without exceeding noise and nitrogen pollution limits, while also pinpointing other routes where the speed limit could be increased. 

Thumb image credit: marketa1982 / Shutterstock.com