A majority of French people support the 110 km/h speed limit on highways

An Unexpected Consequence of the Fuel Price Surge.

According to a survey conducted by IFOP, 63% of French people would be willing to reduce their speed to 110 km/h on the highway. A result that may be surprising and which should also be nuanced. Indeed, the polling institute focused on the energy cost as the central element of its survey, asking respondents the following question: “Would you be willing to reduce your speed on the highway to 110 km/h specifically to save fuel?”

More than a principle endorsement of 110 km/h on the highway, the survey shows that the French see lowering the speed as an opportunity to save at the pump. Furthermore, it appears that the idea is less popular among high socio-professional categories (CSP+) than among French people with more modest incomes. Indeed, among the wealthier group (more than €2500/month), the percentage of “yes” answers is the lowest (56%). Conversely, 72% of people with modest incomes (€900 to €1,300/month) are willing to decrease their speed on the highway to reduce their fuel budget.

There are also differences between urban and rural areas. The idea of lowering speed for financial reasons is more popular in provincial urban communities (66%) than in rural towns (56%). In the Paris region, 61% of respondents are in favor.

The Thorny Question of Speed Limits in France

The Yellow Vests movement showed that the issue of permitted speed is still very sensitive in France. Both proponents and opponents of lowering limits have their arguments, and each side interprets the various studies published on this topic to suit their views.

For its part, the government has so far ruled out reducing the speed limit to 110 km/h on highways, although Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has expressed that she is “personally in favor” of this measure.

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