Germany retains unlimited autobahns
German Government pushes back against safety, environment lobbiesThe hypercar and motorcycle haven of Germany will retain its status as the fastest in the world after the government today rejected proposals from safety and environment groups for a blanket 130km/h maximum limit.
While plenty of high-mileage Australians would drool at the prospect of a 130km/h maximum speed limit, Germans regarded it as an assault on their civil liberties.
About 70 per cent of Germany’s extensive 25,767km of multi-lane, divided autobahn network has unlimited status, and many Germans have put the government under pressure to retain the world’s fastest public roads.
In fact, some critics insist the government’s opposition to the proposal, as recommended by a government-appointed commission on future mobility, was only canned after the car industry’s intensive lobbying.
Yet there was a groundswell of public pressure to retain the unlimited autobahns after revelations the commission was recommending their axing.
It suggested a maximum speed of 130km/h to improve road safety and lower CO2 emissions.
The Transport Minister, Andreas Scheuer, attacked the speed limit proposal, calling it “against all common sense”.
“The principle of freedom has proven itself,” Scheuer said in a press conference. “Whoever wants to drive 120 can drive 120, and those who want to go faster can do that too. Why this constant micromanagement?” he said.
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