A REDUCTION in the speed limit from 90 km/h to 80 km/h on routes départementales in France could be introduced early next year.
Le Point reports that the speed limit reduction would apply to roads with no physical central barrier to split the traffic, meaning the vast majority of roads will be affected.
Whilst nothing has been confirmed by the government, it is hoped that the new 80 km/h limit would reduce accidents and cut down on pollution, but also promote more fluid traffic, reducing jams and tailbacks.
The motorist association 40 millions d’automobilistes has criticised the proposal saying no real evidence has been produced to show a reduction in the speed limit will reduce the accident rate.
The association say that all it will do is confuse drivers and mean more of them are caught by speed cameras, helping to boost public finances.
40 millions d’automobilistes has launched an online petition against the plan.