Faced with gas prices at around 1.77 CAD per litre and in light of the political turmoil in Libya and the Arab world, the Spanish government has decided to reduce the speed limit on national highways from 120 to 110 km/h in order to reduce the country’s overall fuel consumption.
According to the instigators of this measure, the decrease will allow 15% savings on fuel and lessen the country’s energy bill. Last night, workers covered the speed limit signs with stickers, forcing Spanish motorists to slow down on their way to work this morning.
Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said the temporary measure would be in effect at least until the end of June, describing it as an “exceptional” response to the events shaking the Middle East. Spain is dependent on oil imports, around 13% of which come from Libya.
Specialists are contesting the strategy, however, saying that oil use would only decrease by 5% and not the 15% announced, and that changing the signs for four months will cost an evaluated 250,000 euros.
As for Spanish citizens, they see it as a way for the government to collect more money by handing out more speeding tickets. Even F1 driver Fernando Alonso joined the debate, stating that it’s hard to stay awake when driving so slowly.
The decision is so unpopular that a recent poll showed opposition to be at 69%.
Source : BBC
According to the instigators of this measure, the decrease will allow 15% savings on fuel and lessen the country’s energy bill. Last night, workers covered the speed limit signs with stickers, forcing Spanish motorists to slow down on their way to work this morning.
Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said the temporary measure would be in effect at least until the end of June, describing it as an “exceptional” response to the events shaking the Middle East. Spain is dependent on oil imports, around 13% of which come from Libya.
Specialists are contesting the strategy, however, saying that oil use would only decrease by 5% and not the 15% announced, and that changing the signs for four months will cost an evaluated 250,000 euros.
As for Spanish citizens, they see it as a way for the government to collect more money by handing out more speeding tickets. Even F1 driver Fernando Alonso joined the debate, stating that it’s hard to stay awake when driving so slowly.
The decision is so unpopular that a recent poll showed opposition to be at 69%.
Source : BBC