For years, the general direction of motoring policy has been to slow things down. Lower speed limits, stricter emissions rules, and traffic restrictions have all been part of the push to make roads safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly.
But in the Netherlands, some sections of highway are actually getting their speed limits raised. After cutting the limit to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) back in 2020, the Dutch government is now bringing back 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) on select stretches of the A7 and A6 freeways.
But before you get your hopes up that you’ll be able to speed through the freeways, it’s important to note that this is happening only on sections where studies showed that proposed increased speed didn’t increase noise, pollution, and more importantly, accidents. All things considered, this is a fascinating shift in policy that challenges the long-held idea that slower is always safer.
