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The German Chancellor has snubbed the country’s green lobby, after she ignored calls for speed limits on Germany’s motorways.

Yesterday it looked as if the 80mph blanket speed limit would be implemented, as the Socialist Party voted in favour of it during a key party congress.

But, in an interview today the Chancellor, Angela Merkel spoke out, insisting that she would stand against the speed limit, despite the vote being won by members of her own coalition party.

Merkel stated on German television: “It won’t happen with me”.

Concern for the environment has prompted a renewed inspection of the de-restricted road network. Vehicles travelling at high speed produce more damaging greenhouse gases, as their engines work harder to maintain the pace.

Merkel acknowledges this but argues that traffic jams produce more harmful emissions than fast drivers, and sees better traffic management as the path towards a greener future.

The 80mph initiative is a political gamble – many Germans see the introduction of such speed limits as a personal infringement on their cultural liberties. It also risks causing upset within the hugely important German car industry, renowned for building high-performance vehicles honed to perform on the de-restricted tarmac.

At present half of the 12,000km Autobahn network has no speed limit, with drivers regularly exceeding 100mph.

Recently they have come under fire though, particularly from green politicians and spectators, who criticise the increased levels of emissions created by high-speed driving.

Only a few days ago Nobel Prize winner Al Gore criticised the Autobahn during a climate change conference in Berlin.

Earlier in the year, EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas suggested introducing a speed limit, receiving little response in Berlin.

Should the Autobahn have an 80mph limit? Have your say on the Auto Trader blog

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