New research to show impact of faster speed limits on air quality

The Dutch institute for public health and environment RIVM is launching an investigation into what effects increasing the speed limit to 130 kilometers per hour will have on air pollution. NOS reports.

Parliamentarians demanded the investigation after alarming reports from environmental organization Milieudefensie on how the air quality will degenerate.

The government considers this investigation unnecessary as the RIVM assessed the effects of the speed limit increase beforehand, using mathematical models. Responsible State Secretary Sharon Dijksma of Infrastructure and Environment also pointed out that air quality is measured on an annual basis.

But the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament insisted, and once DIjksma's own party, the PvdA, threw their support behind the RIVM investigation, she decided to allow it.

The results of the investigation are expected in September.