The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Georges-François Leclerc, confirmed yesterday at noon, during a press conference, the speed limit change to 90km/h on the 4km stretch between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
It’s in the works, and it’s official.
Starting Monday, October 1st, drivers on the A8 highway will see their speed reduced to 90km/h. The residents of the French Riviera know well that driving during peak hours on this highway is a nightmare, with traffic jams, accidents, and pollution. “We have decided to implement this measure for three reasons: reduce traffic jams, reduce accidents, and reduce pollution,” explains the prefect. In 2018, there were 300 congestion days out of 365 on this highway, which accommodates nearly 120,000 people daily.
“Rediscover a certain fluidity”
To address this problem, the prefect has signed a prefectural decree, effective from Monday, limiting the speed to 90km/h on a particularly specific stretch. “It is well targeted. It’s the part of the highway with the most accidents, most traffic jams, a pollution peak, and the most traffic. The objective is thus to reduce these issues and to streamline the traffic,” the prefect announces. When we know that the number of deaths in the first half of 2019 is equal to the total number of deaths for the whole of 2018, the decree makes complete sense.
The signs will be changed by tomorrow, and the speed cameras will be reset to the correct speed. “I am doing this to help and protect the drivers,” he declares. It will thus take 44 seconds longer to travel the 4km at 90km/h if there are no traffic jams.
Rushed drivers, a little calm, please!
Pierre Ferrand
