Autobahn to remain derestricted, despite climate push

Germany will maintain its derestricted sections of autobahn, despite a government-appointed report suggesting lower limits could help cut carbon emissions.

Speaking with reporters in Berlin, a government spokesperson said there are "more intelligent control mechanisms" than a 130km/h speed limit. That sentiment was backed by German transport minister, Andreas Scheuer, who said the push "goes against all common sense".

"Whoever wants to drive 120 can drive 120, and those who want to go faster can do that too," he told Bild am Sonntag. "Why this constant micromanagement?"

He also pointed out the fact 7640km of Germany's motorways already have a speed limit, arguing a speed limit would cut barely 0.5 per cent of the nation's emissions.

The initial 130km/h proposal came from a government-appointed committee, dubbed the National Platform on the Future of Mobility, as it looks for ways to bring Germany into line with European Union targets.

A final version of the report will be released late in March, but details about the Autobahn limit was leaked to the media last week, sparking fierce debate in the process.

According to a poll by Bild am Sonntag and the Emnid Institute, 52 per cent of people support speed limits between 120km/h and 140km/h, while forty-six per cent backed the current system.