Latest news Netherlands: Slight backtrack on speed limit
A good five years after the introduction of the speed limit on freeways, the Netherlands is backtracking slightly. According to the Ministry of Transport in The Hague, a maximum speed limit of 130 kilometers per hour is once again permitted on three sections during the day.
14.04.2025, 12:24
SDA
The right-wing government had already decided to allow this at the end of last year. It was a declared wish of the radical right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV) of right-wing populist Geert Wilders in particular. The PVV has been part of the governing coalition since summer 2024 and also provides the Minister of Transport.
Three sections
According to the ministry, the new speed limit will apply as soon as the new road signs are in place. Further sections of freeway should follow, provided that the requirements for noise protection and pollution levels allow it.
A speed limit of 130 km/h now applies to a section of the A6 in the north of the country near Lelystad, most of the final dyke between Noord-Holland and Friesland and a small section of the A7 from Winschoten to the German border near East Friesland. A fourth section is to be opened in the summer. In total, 117 kilometers are involved - around 1.7 percent of the freeway section.
Protecting nature
In 2020, a speed limit of 100 km/h was introduced on all freeways. Exceptions were only made for the period from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Then a maximum of 130 kilometers per hour applied on some sections.
The reason for the speed limit was the excessive emissions of nitrogen oxides, which led to damage to natural areas. However, the main cause is intensive livestock farming due to ammonia.
