The speed goes to 150km/h on these highways!

This measure goes against the general trend in Europe, where reducing speed limits is often favored for safety and environmental reasons.

In the Czech Republic, this new speed limit will apply from June 2025 on specific sections, such as the D3 between Tabor and Budjovice, as well as certain sections of the D11 and D1 motorways. Currently limited to 130 km/h, this increase is presented as an experiment aimed at assess its impact on road safety. The maximum speed will be adjusted according to traffic and weather conditions using dynamic signs.

In Italy, although a law allowing a 150 km/h speed limit has existed for 20 years, it had never been enforced until recently. This increase, since January 1st, only affects 2x3 lane motorways with emergency lanes, which represents approximately 1,500 km of the country's motorway network. The checks will be carried out using speed cameras to ensure compliance with the rules.

Against the flow of traffic in other countries?

The Czech and Italian governments are justifying this decision with safety arguments. They believe that increasing the speed limit could maintain drivers' attention, thus reducing the risks associated with distraction or drowsiness. They are also relying on the German model, where certain sections of motorways without speed limits are associated with increased driver accountability.

This initiative has drawn criticism, particularly due to the potential risk of increasing the severity of accidents. Environmentalists also point out that driving at higher speeds leads to increased fuel consumption and an increase in pollutant emissions.

Although these measures are limited to certain sections and accompanied by precautions, they mark a notable turning point in the management of speed limits in Europe. In France, the speed limit on motorways remains set at 130 km/h (110 km/h in the rain), and there are no plans to increase this limit to 150 km/h. On the contrary, the government continues to invest massively in fixed and mobile speed cameras to monitor compliance with speed limits.