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Spain drivers slow down to cut rising energy costs
Banker Luis Manuel Majado fumed as he filled up his late model BMW in Madrid, saying driving will become downright boring now that he will have to tool along at no more than 110 kilometers per hour instead of the previous maximum of 120 kph. “I’ll try to obey,” said Majado, 42. “But driving at 110 is monotonous, and could cause accidents” now that he won’t be able to floor it on the highway to zip by slow-moving trucks and buses.
After highway workers spent the weekend plastering thousands of 120-kph speed limit signs with stickers stating the new rule, Spaniards were divided over whether the move will work and save consumers energy costs in a nation also hit hard by Europe’s financial crisis. The imposition of the reduced speed limit was reminiscent of a similar, widely hated move by the United States in the 1970s to reduce energy consumption. But Spanish government officials say the limit plus a host of other energy-saving measures are essential because Spain depends on imports for 75 percent of its energy, with costs rising just as the country tries to repair its damaged economy.
The government estimates Spain will save 2.3 billion euros through the entire energy savings plan, which also includes such measures as tax breaks for energy efficient tires and switching to more efficient lights. Though motorists will spend less on gas, the government has not issued a prediction on how much tax revenue it could lose from lower gas sales. With more than one out of every five Spaniards jobless and grim Spanish economic growth prospects, some motorists said the new speed limit makes sense because every euro saved is worth it, and many people will be forced into compliance since they can’t afford the speeding fines. “It’s fine with me because it saves energy,” said Alberto Garcia, a 65-year-old architect. “Everything you save is good because Spain is in terrible shape.” But taxi driver Jose Luis Rico, who used to drive between 140 kph and 180 kph regularly years ago chauffeuring a Mercedes when Spanish enforcement was lax, speculated the administration of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodrigo Zapatero wants to shore up public finances with more fine money. “The speed limit is just an excuse,” Rico said. “If you compare the cost-benefit of the savings compared to how much time motorists will lose, it’s clear that the expense is more than the savings.”
Violators face fines of 100 euros for exceeding the new limit, but won’t be penalized under Spain’s relatively new points-based driving licenses. Drivers will have to go above 150 kph to face penalties affecting their licenses. A weekend poll by the leading El Pais newspaper showed that 69 percent of Spaniards oppose the speed limit reduction.
In Madrid, retired engineer Juan Maca described his new driving experience as “almost feeling like I’m not moving.” Maca, 68, said he’ll adapt quickly.
High profile critics of the reduced speed limit include two-time Formula One race car champion Fernando Alonso, a Spaniard who said last week it will be “hard to stay awake” on the highway with the new limit. Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian hit back, saying Alonso’s archrival and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton had no complaints with Britain’s slightly higher speed limit -- 113 kph. “Hamilton doesn’t fall asleep at 110 kph,” Sebastian said.
The new highway speed limit will stay in place until June 30, and could be extended, meaning it’s uncertain how fast European drivers will be able to go when they flock to Spain for summer vacations.
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