Netherlands raises speed limit to 130 km/h – NRW travelers rejoice!

Netherlands raises speed limit to 130 km/h – NRW travelers rejoice!

The transport landscape between North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and the Netherlands is facing a significant change. Drivers who regularly use the well-developed motorways of neighboring countries can look forward to a return to the 130 km/h speed limit on several important routes. This measure was announced by Transport Minister Barry Madlener and is part of a plan to improve the transport situation and promote travel between countries.

Since 2020, the Netherlands has had a speed limit of 100 km/h during the day to reduce nitrogen emissions. Previously, it was allowed to drive at 120 or 130 km/h at night and in the evening, depending on the signs. With the new regulation, which will come into force from mid-2025, the speed limit will be increased again to 130 km/h on three routes. This particularly affects the routes that are frequently used by travelers from North Rhine-Westphalia.

Affected highway stretches

The affected motorway routes include:

• A7: 44 Kilometer zwischen Stevinschleusen und Lorentzschleusen, Provinzen Noord-Holland und Friesland.
• A7: 24 Kilometer von Winschoten bis zur deutschen Grenze bei Papenburg.
• A6: 18 Kilometer von Lelystad-Nord bis zur Ketelbrücke.

Additionally, an extension of the higher speed limit to the A37 between Holssloot and Zwartemeer is being planned, with the results expected to be announced in January 2025.

Environmental standards and future prospects

The return to 130 km/h is included in the Dutch government's coalition agreement, but requires detailed analyzes of compliance with environmental standards. Original plans to increase the speed limit on other routes around Groningen failed due to noise protection and environmental regulations. This leaves room for future discussion and adjustments.

The return to the higher speed limit is seen as positive news for drivers and business travelers from North Rhine-Westphalia who would like to see an improvement in the traffic situation. Suggestions to increase the speed limit have been made, particularly on motorways such as the A12, A2, A67 and A73, even if no specific changes have been announced yet. The new speed limit will significantly make travel, shopping and business activities easier.

Travelers from Germany should also be prepared to expect controls at the borders with the Netherlands until March 2025. These new regulations could make traveling between countries much easier and promote increased connectivity between neighbors.

The information available shows that the Dutch motorways offer an attractive opportunity to increase travel speeds and strengthen connections to North Rhine-Westphalia. The users of these roads can look forward to the implementation of the new traffic rules.

TheWest reports that the return to 130 km/h will improve the traffic situation and make driving in the Netherlands more pleasant again.

Additionally informed Ruhr24 about the affected motorway routes and the upcoming changes that are of great importance for users.