‘Nature can’t cope’
There was talk at the formation table about a possible increase in the maximum speed, but outgoing nitrogen minister Christianne van der Wal reiterates that this is ‘virtually impossible’.
It is virtually impossible to reduce the maximum speed on the highway to 130 km/h, says outgoing nitrogen minister Christianne van der Wal in a committee debate. “We cannot afford it. Because nature cannot handle it.” The measure would lead to higher nitrogen emissions and precipitation, “due to faster driving and because people will choose other routes. This is only possible if we can rule out significant negative consequences in Natura 2000 areas.” Many of these protected nature reserves suffer from excessive nitrogen precipitation, which is precisely the reason why the maximum speed during the day was limited to 100 km/h. Last month, Van der Wal also said that the measure should therefore be maintained.
Information has been requested from the four forming parties PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB as to whether the maximum speed can be increased again to 130 kilometers per hour, insiders confirmed on Tuesday after reports by the A.D. They reportedly asked questions about this to the Ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and of Infrastructure and Water Management, it reported. A.D.
The nitrogen space that the speed reduction created cannot simply be reoccupied, Van der Wal makes it clear again. “As a new project, increasing the maximum speed must be tested against legislation and regulations. In addition to a traffic decision, this is expected to require an environmental permit, an appropriate assessment and mitigating measures.” In other words: a speed increase is legally extremely complicated and requires even more plans that limit natural damage.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl