With 3,259 deaths in 2018, the number of road fatalities reached a historic low according to the government. This decision has therefore had a positive effect, although it will still take time to have exact statistics to measure the consequences.
Edouard Philippe specifies that 116 lives have been saved on secondary roads since July 1st thanks to the shift to 80 km/h.
Despite the good figures announced by Edouard Philippe, the government declares its intention to be “pragmatic” about the implementation of the 80 km/h limit. In reality, it is being considered to transfer the implementation of the measure to the Departmental Councils.
Will local elected officials be able to resist the pressure from voters to revert to 90 km/h? Nothing is less certain.
