A proposed increase in Austria’s motorway speed limits has sparked a row, with supporters arguing for faster travel times and opponents raising concerns over environmental impact and road safety.
If the ÖVP-FPÖ coalition talks succeed, Austria could see select motorway sections allowing speeds of up to 150 km/h, up from the current 130 km/h.
With the ongoing government negotiations, the question remains: Is raising the speed limit a good idea, or will it increase risks and emissions?
Why is there talk of increasing the speed limit?
For years, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) has advocated for higher motorway speed limits, claiming that modern vehicles are safer and more fuel-efficient at higher speeds.
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According to a Krone report, the far-right FPÖ and centre-right ÖVP have already agreed in their negotiations that certain motorway sections could increase to 150 km/h.
Lower Austria’s FPÖ leader, Udo Landbauer, has been a vocal advocate. He opposes the "green climate religion" that promotes lower speed limits.
If the coalition goes forward, the FPÖ might not stop at a 150km/h limit given the party has previously advocated that Austria should join countries like Germany, where sections of the Autobahn have no speed limits at all.
What are the risks of raising the speed limit?
While supporters of the plan argue that increasing speed limits will shorten travel times, experts warn that the trade-offs may not be worth it.
An analysis by VCÖ, a mobility organisation, states that higher speeds increase emissions, noise pollution, and accident risks.
Driving at 150 km/h increases CO₂ emissions by 19 percent compared to 130 km/h. Fuel consumption rises as well, with a car that uses 6.5 litres per 100 km at 130 km/h burning an average of 7.7 litres at 150 km/h. Particulate matter emissions would rise by 31 percent, while nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions would increase by 44 percent.
Safety is another concern.
The Federal Environment Agency warns that increasing speed limits contradicts Austria’s climate goals and could worsen road safety.
In an emergency, a car driving at 130 km/h can entirely stop within 73 metres, while a vehicle travelling at 150 km/h would still be travelling at 122 km/h after 73 metres before coming to a complete stop. Greater speed differences on the road also lead to more braking manoeuvres, increasing congestion and reducing overall traffic flow.
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What happened in previous speed limit experiments?
Austria has tested higher speed limits before, with mixed results, according to a Der Standard report.
Under the first FPÖ-ÖVP coalition in 2006, Transport Minister Hubert Gorbach tested 160 km/h on parts of the Tauern Motorway. In 2018, another FPÖ Transport Minister, Norbert Hofer, introduced a 140 km/h trial on sections of the West Motorway (A1). The Green Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler reversed these changes in 2020, reinstating the nationwide 130 km/h limit.
While these trials showed slight reductions in travel times, they also confirmed higher emissions and safety risks, leading to their discontinuation.
Will the speed limit actually change?
Despite the enthusiasm from FPÖ politicians, not everyone in the ÖVP supports raising the speed limit.
While some within the party see it as a concession to their coalition partner, others fear it could damage Austria’s climate commitments and public image.
According to Krone, the negotiation group has already agreed to implement the changes on selected motorway sections, but the broader steering group must make the final decision.
What do Austrians think?
Public opinion on the matter is divided.
Some drivers support the idea, saying modern cars are safer and that higher speed limits would reduce travel times. However, others believe the downsides - like higher emissions and greater road safety risks - aren’t worth it.
According to Der Standard, environmental groups and traffic safety experts are firmly against the change, warning that it could lead to more accidents and undermine Austria’s climate policies.
Meanwhile, a Krone analysis highlights that Austria’s previous trials with increased speed limits showed minimal improvements in travel efficiency but significant rises in fuel consumption and emissions.
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What happens next?
If the FPÖ-ÖVP coalition agreement is finalised, Austria could see speed limit changes on selected motorway sections in 2025.
However, the policy could be delayed or modified if opposition within the ÖVP or public backlash grows.
For now, Austrian drivers will have to wait and see if 150 km/h becomes the new reality - or remains just another political debate.
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