Danish government to raise speed limits following trial

The permitted speed on some rural roads and motorways is increasing by 10 km/h

Following a successful trial period, the government has decided to raise speed limits on certain rural roads and motorways where it can be done responsibly without endangering traffic safety.

The trial period conducted by the Danish road directorate, Vejdirektoratet, has reduced the number of traffic accidents since it was introduced in 2011, running for three years until 2014.

“We’re doing this because there is good experience gleaned by raising the speed limit on certain stretches of road,” said Ole Birk Olesen, the transport minister.

READ MORE: Speed trial yields some useful results

Awaiting recommendations
During the trial, speed limits were increased from 80 to 90 km/h on 18 rural stretches of road, but even though the limit rose by 10 km/h, the actual average speed of drivers on those stretches of road only increased by 0.2 km/h.

The government said it would only increase the speed limits on stretches of road recommended by Vejdirektoratet, but the government would also look into upping the limit from 110 to 120 km/h on certain motorway stretches.

“For relatively few expenses, we can ensure significant time benefits for the individual driver,” said Olesen.

“And that can help improve mobility in society and improve the conditions for growth.”

As soon as Vejdirektoratet comes with its recommendations, Olesen will present the issue to Parliament.




  • Danish Intelligence Service: Threat from Russia has intensified

    Danish Intelligence Service: Threat from Russia has intensified

    In the internal Danish waters, Russia will be able to attack underwater infrastructure from all types of vessels. The target could be cables with data, electricity and gas, assesses the Danish Defense Intelligence Service

  • Denmark to explore screening citizenship applicants for anti-democratic sentiments

    Denmark to explore screening citizenship applicants for anti-democratic sentiments

    A few weeks after Alex Vanopslagh’s comments about “right values,” the government announced that an expert committee would be established to examine the feasibility of screening citizenship applicants for anti-democratic attitudes.

  • The Future Copenhagen

    The Future Copenhagen

    The municipality plan encompasses building 40,000 houses by 2036 in order to help drive real estate prices down. But this is not the only huge project that will change the shape of the city: Lynetteholmen, M5 metro line, the Eastern Ring Road, and Jernbanebyen will transform Copenhagen into something different from what we know today

  • It’s not you: winter depression is affecting many people

    It’s not you: winter depression is affecting many people

    Many people in Denmark are facing hard times marked by sadness, anxiety, and apathy. It’s called winter depression, and it’s a widespread phenomenon during the cold months in Nordic countries.

  • Crime rates are rising, but people are safer

    Crime rates are rising, but people are safer

    Crime in Denmark is increasing for the second consecutive year, but it is more focused on property, while people appear to be safer than before. Over the past year, there were fewer incidents of violence

  • Novo Nordisk invests 8.5 billion DKK in new Odense facility

    Novo Nordisk invests 8.5 billion DKK in new Odense facility

    Despite Novo’s announcement that its growth abroad will be larger than in Denmark, the company announced this morning an 8.5 billion DKK investment for a new facility in Odense. This is the first time the company has established a new production site in Denmark this century.