As of 2025-05-28 17:53:00, the debate over lowering highway speed limits to cut CO₂ emissions is heating up in Flanders. The Flemish government must soon unveil new measures to meet climate targets, with a proposal to reduce the maximum speed on highways from 120 to 100 km/h gaining attention. Energy and Climate Minister Melissa Depraetere argues that driving slower could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, benefiting both the environment and road safety.
- Vlaamse regering plant extra CO₂-reductiemaatregelen
- Verlagen maximumsnelheid naar 100 km/u helpt brandstofbesparing
- Vias benadrukt effectiever snelheidshandhaving dan snelheidsverlaging
- Nederland verlaagde maximumsnelheid door stikstofarrest
- Mobiliteitsminister weigert snelheidsverlaging op snelwegen
- 100 km/u geldt al op Brusselse en Antwerpse Ringen
However, the idea faces strong opposition from other officials. Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder firmly rejects the proposal, emphasizing that speed limits are her portfolio and that a reduction is off the table. Meanwhile, experts at the Flemish traffic institute Vias suggest that targeting speeding behavior may be more effective than simply lowering the limit.
With the Netherlands having already implemented a 100 km/h daytime speed limit following a landmark nitrogen ruling, could Flanders follow suit? The question remains open as political and practical challenges persist, setting the stage for a complex discussion on sustainable mobility.
Is reducing the maximum speed the best way to cut emissions? Vias highlights that emission reductions grow exponentially with speed, so focusing on reducing speeding might yield better results. Key points include:
- Driving at 100 km/h reduces fuel use by 15–30%, improving safety and traffic flow.
- Vias suggests targeting habitual speeders to maximize CO₂ reduction.
- Political leaders like Annick De Ridder and Matthias Diependaele oppose lowering limits below 120 km/h.
- The Netherlands’ example shows legal and environmental complexities in enforcing lower speeds.
As the Flemish government prepares new climate measures, the challenge remains: how to balance environmental goals with political realities and public acceptance. Will innovative strategies beyond speed limits emerge to drive Flanders toward its climate targets?
