German Opposition Parties Advocating for Autobahn-Wide Speed Limit

Debate about whether there should be an autobahn-wide speed limit in Germany has been going on for years, but the topic is flaring up again as a topic in the upcoming German election. The SPD, the country's largest opposition party, and the Greens, the third largest opposition party, are advocating for speed limits on all of Germany's autobahns and country roads. 

SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel believes that there should be a 120km/h (75mph) limit on all autobahns. He believes that it would lower the country's traffic deaths. The SPD has not submitted the change to the German Bundestag legislature yet. Instead, it is discussing it with state governments to see if there is support. 

The Green party has suggested lowering speed limits on country roads to 80km/h (50mph). 

If these parties win the election, it is possible the lower speed limits could be pushed through. 

The German automobile organization ADAC opposes the change to autobahn speed limits citing that derestricted autobahn are no less safe than the restricted roads. However, it is advocating that roundabouts and passing lanes be added to country roads, which account for 60% of German automotive fatalities. 

The German federal election will be held on September 22, 2013. If the CDU and German Prime Minister Angela Merkel stay in power, it is unlikely that there will be any changes to speed limits. The CDUs coalition government has a 40-seat advantage in the legislature at the moment.

About 40% of Germany autobahns have a constant speed limit and about 10% have a variable speed limit. The highest marked speed limit in Germany is 130km/h (81mph). There is a 100km/h (62mph) speed limit on country roads that is reduced to 50km/h (31mph) in city limits.

Source: Autocar