Swiss Authorities Weigh Highway Speed Limits to Combat Fuel Shortages

Swiss authorities are considering a radical reduction in highway speed limits from 120 km/h to 80 km/h (approximately 50 mph) to cope with potential fuel supply shortages. Faced with what officials describe as a very tight situation, the Federal Office for National Economic Supply recently held an internal consultation to prepare for a possible temporary implementation, according to local media reports.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from drivers. While some acknowledge the potential for significant fuel savings, others express frustration over longer travel times. Industry experts emphasize that reducing speeds yields substantial benefits for both consumption and the environment. Andréa Toscano, a garage manager in Strasbourg, noted that dropping speeds from 120 km/h to 80 km/h can result in a 30 to 40 percent savings on fuel for both gasoline and diesel vehicles, alongside nearly a 30 percent reduction in pollution.

While neighboring France is not currently planning any new speed restrictions, the topic remains historically sensitive. In December 1973, during an oil crisis, the French government temporarily capped highway speeds at 120 km/h to conserve expensive petroleum. Public opinion among French motorists remains divided, with some supporting measures to prevent fuel hoarding and shortages, while others argue that high prices should be addressed directly instead.

Infrastructure maintenance and roadway adjustments are also affecting motorists in other regions. In France, the Interdepartmental Directorate of Roads North-West announced the upcoming closure of the Canteleu ramp on the A150 highway for geotechnical investigations. Following temporary repairs conducted after the discovery of a longitudinal crack, engineers must carry out further testing to finalize a durable repair plan. The ramp will experience closures across several days in November, alongside occasional nighttime lane restrictions.

In Canada, the Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility announced significant access relocations for the Félix-Leclerc highway in Quebec. As part of construction work for the new Île d'Orléans bridge, an entrance ramp leading from Sainte-Anne Boulevard will close temporarily before reopening via a newly constructed temporary route equipped with a traffic light to help manage traffic flow.

Meanwhile, traffic operations occasionally encounter unusual hazards, such as an incident reported in Belgium where police intercepted a motorist driving a moped at just 25 km/h in the second lane of the E40 highway toward Brussels. Law enforcement officers discovered the driver was operating under the influence of ketamine and carrying a substantial quantity of illegal substances, leading to his immediate arrest and subsequent judicial proceedings.