Speed limit looms for German Autobahns

The ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Germany has voted in favour of a blanket 130kph (80mph) limit on the 6000km of the Autobahn network which currently has no speed limit.

The limit would be a response to environmental concerns, although it is unlikely to be brought into force before the 2009 general elections. The SPD is in coalition with the conservative Christian Democrats, who remain opposed to the idea.

A 100kph limit was previously introduced during the world oil crisis in the early Seventies, but only lasted 111 days due to massive public opposition. The German car industry is also opposed to the limits.