Speed limits lowered on Amsterdam canals

The speed limit for boats on the Amsterdam canals is being lowered from 7.5 kilometers per hour to 6 kilometers per hour as of January 1st, 2017, ANP reports. The Amsterdam mayor and aldermen hope this will reduce incidents on the water and help boat traffic run more smoothly. It will also reduce noise and air pollution. "A reduction in the maximum speed of 1.5 kilometers per hour seems like little, but on the water it is a lot", responsible alderman Udo Kock said. The new speed limit will apply to all of Amsterdam's canals, except for the two main routes Kostverlorenvaart and Amstel, and Ertshaven, Entrepothave, and Spoorwegbassin.