Despite recommendations from the International Energy Agency (IEA) to lower highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h amid the fossil fuel crisis, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has opposed such measures. The CDU politician told “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Tuesday edition) that “the state does not have to be a nanny everywhere, telling everyone what is good and right”. Consequently, he views imposing a speed limit as unnecessary.
Schnieder instead relies on the public’s own judgment. He stated that a person who still hasn’t realized that traveling at 180 or 200 km/h on the highway empties the fuel tank-and thus the wallet-much faster than traveling at 120 or 130 km/h, “can’t be helped”.
When asked if he would rule out more drastic measures, such as driving bans, car-free Sundays, or any form of speed limit, Schnieder responded that there are both more sensible and less sensible actions that must always be weighed. He added that if fuel becomes expensive, everyone will feel that impact personally.
The IEA, meanwhile, is calling on governments to adopt targeted, short-term measures aimed at reducing demand for fossil resources. Specifically, the agency proposes promoting public passenger transport, as well as the purchase or leasing of electric cars, heat pumps, and modern electric cooktops, particularly for low-income households.