Reuters reports that the poll, which was run by ZDF television, found 54% of Germans prefer a speed limit of 130km/h, while another 10% would like the limit set even lower. Only about 35% wanted to keep the highways without any limits. According to the EU’s environment commissioner, Stavros Dimas, driving at very high speeds wastes a lot of energy. Fortunately, German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee is opposed to the idea.
Most German carmakers pride themselves on producing vehicles capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200km/h, and a new limit could potentially threaten the marketing attraction of their cars.