EU Suggests Speed Limits On Autobahn

The European Union's environment commissioner has suggested that speed limits be placed on Germany's autobahn -- one of the last roadways in the world with sections unhindered by speed limits. The EU says limits would help reduce carbon emissions.

1 minute read

March 19, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"Now, though, Germany's love of speed is colliding with its fears about global warming, as it becomes clear that its Sunday race-car drivers are needlessly spewing tons of carbon dioxide into the air."

"Last week, the European Union's environment commissioner, Stavros Dimas, set off a national debate here by suggesting that the German government introduce a general speed limit on the autobahn."

"To be sure, half the 12,000 kilometers of autobahn already have speed limits, as do smaller roads. There are also temporary limits for road work and other hazards on the autobahn. But the anything-goes stretches are the fastest public roads in the world."

"This is 'a trivialization of the climate problem,' declared the German environment minister, Sigmar Gabriel. The German Association of the Automotive Industry said Germans needed 'no coaching' from other Europeans on how to protect the climate."

"Even Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has put climate change at the top of her agenda as president of the European Union and the Group of 8 industrial nations, opposes a uniform speed limit."

FULL STORY: Talk of speed limits on autobahn revs up Germans

Friday, March 16, 2007 in International Herald Tribune

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