Aircraft crashes mark the stretch on "Süd- und Pyhrnautobahn" from "Lufthunderter" onwards
==============================================================================================================
In a significant move, the "Air Hundred" speed limit on certain sections of the Südautobahn (A2) and Pyhrnautobahn (A9) in Styria, Austria, is set to be lifted. However, the limit will remain in effect between Graz-Ost and Graz-West.
The "Air Hundred," a specific speed limit of 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph), has historically been imposed on these autobahns to reduce air pollution and improve environmental conditions, particularly in urban areas like Graz.
The decision to abolish the "Air Hundred" in some sections is likely due to improved air quality, local traffic changes, updated environmental assessments, or policy updates that no longer necessitate the speed limit. The affected sections include Gratkorntunnel to Knoten Peggau-Deutschfeistritz, Graz-West to Leibnitz, Graz-Ost to Sinabelkirchen, and Graz-West to Lieboch.
However, the limit will remain in effect between Graz-Ost and Graz-West because this urban corridor continues to experience higher pollution levels or has traffic conditions that justify maintaining the lower speed limit to protect air quality and public health.
This move aligns with typical Austrian environmental traffic regulations that tie speed limits to air pollution control on highways near urban areas.
Notably, the Green Party club leader, Sandra Krautwaschl, has criticised the continued implementation of the "Air Hundred" on the grounds that higher speeds lead to increased pollution for people living along the highways and for daily commuters.
The provincial governor is scheduled to sign the decree to end the "Air Hundred" on Tuesday, marking a shift in traffic regulations and environmental policies in Styria. The changes will come into effect on Good Friday.
- In light of improved air quality and updated environmental assessments, the automotive industry, with its fewer vehicles on the road, may experience increased sales due to the relaxation of the "Air Hundred" speed limit on certain Austrian autobahns, potentially boosting the local transportation and finance sectors.
- The finance sector, particularly banks and insurance companies, might need to reassess their risk models for drivers in the affected regions, as the lifted speed limit on the autobahn could result in altered traffic patterns and travel times, potentially impacting premiums for car insurance.
