Spain imposes speed limit
By Alan Clendenning |
March 8, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
Spanish drivers slowed down yesterday to obey a new speed limit set by the government to reduce energy use amid oil production chaos in Libya that has sent fuel prices soaring in a country hit hard by Europe's financial crisis.
The maximum highway speed limit went from 120 kilometers per hour to 110 kph, and government workers spent the weekend plastering thousands of old speed limit signs with stickers stating the new rule.
Reaction from drivers was mixed.
Some cheered the move because it will lower fuel consumption and probably reduce accidents, but others questioned whether the savings justify the imposition of taking longer to get from one point to another.
"I don't know if this is really going to save the money the government thinks it will," Madrid taxi driver Jesus Gonzalez said. "And for us it is really uncomfortable to drive at a maximum of 110."
The fine for violating the new rule, which will stay in force until June 30, is 100 euros (US$140). Many may obey because Spaniards are hurting financially, with unemployment of more than 20 percent and grim Spanish economic growth prospects.
Oil prices rose above US$106 a barrel yesterday in Asia.
Officials said the new speed limit and a host of other energy-saving measures are essential because Spain depends on imports for 75 percent of its energy. The European Union average is 60 percent.
The maximum highway speed limit went from 120 kilometers per hour to 110 kph, and government workers spent the weekend plastering thousands of old speed limit signs with stickers stating the new rule.
Reaction from drivers was mixed.
Some cheered the move because it will lower fuel consumption and probably reduce accidents, but others questioned whether the savings justify the imposition of taking longer to get from one point to another.
"I don't know if this is really going to save the money the government thinks it will," Madrid taxi driver Jesus Gonzalez said. "And for us it is really uncomfortable to drive at a maximum of 110."
The fine for violating the new rule, which will stay in force until June 30, is 100 euros (US$140). Many may obey because Spaniards are hurting financially, with unemployment of more than 20 percent and grim Spanish economic growth prospects.
Oil prices rose above US$106 a barrel yesterday in Asia.
Officials said the new speed limit and a host of other energy-saving measures are essential because Spain depends on imports for 75 percent of its energy. The European Union average is 60 percent.
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