Speed ​​limit of 130 on Dutch motorways: freedom back for holidaymakers!

Speed ​​limit of 130 on Dutch motorways: freedom back for holidaymakers!

Drivers in the Netherlands will soon be able to drive faster again as the government plans to increase the speed limit on motorways during the day from 100 km/h to 130 km/h. This is part of a coalition agreement and is intended to reverse the measure previously introduced in 2020, which was intended to reduce nitrogen emissions. The scheme is particularly relevant for tourists who want to easily reach the country's many attractions, including windmills, canals, tulips and cheese, by car. The highways pass popular travel destinations, making road trips in the Netherlands easier.

There is currently a speed limit of 100 km/h on the motorways during the day between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. At night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., drivers are sometimes allowed to drive 120 or 130 km/h according to the signs. With the planned increase, the speed limit will be raised back to 130 km/h on a total of 86 km of motorway stretches during the day. The affected highways include:

• A6 Amsterdam – Emmeloord (18 km) zwischen Lelystad-Nord und der Ketelbrücke
• A7 Groningen – Amsterdam (44 km) zwischen Lorentzsluizen und Stevinsluizen
• A7 Groningen – Bunde/D (24 km) zwischen Winschoten und dem Grenzübergang Bunde

Extension of the speed limit

Transport Minister Madlener has also announced that the speed limit will be extended to other motorway sections. A planned 31 kilometer long section of the A37 between Holssloot and the Zwartemeer border crossing towards Emsland is to be implemented next summer. Before full implementation, analyzes of pollutant emissions and noise control will be carried out to ensure that the changes are sustainable.

The return to 130 km/h reflects a political goal that is anchored in the coalition agreement. The survey on increasing the speed limit shows that the discussion about road safety and environmental protection remains controversial in the Netherlands. While measures to reduce nitrogen emissions are considered important, highway speeds are now being re-evaluated to meet the needs of today.

For many drivers in the Netherlands and tourists visiting the country, the ability to drive faster is a welcome step. The West and ADAC report on these upcoming changes and their background, which include both transport economics and environmental policy.