Winter speed limits coming into force in Finland
Lower speed limits on roads and highways will take effect nationwide no later than by this coming Friday.
Lower speed limits are already posted in some parts of the country where road conditions have become potentially more hazardous due shorter daylight hours, ice and snow. As of Friday, the final day of October, winter speed limits will be in force nationwide.
During the winter season, the maximum permitted speed on highways is 100km/h and unless otherwise posted, 80km/h on other main roads.
In the southwest of the country the lower limits will be rolled out on around 800 km of roads on Wednesday and Thursday.
Following the winter months, higher speed limits will again come into force at a time determined by general driving conditions, usually at the end of March or in early April.
The Finnish Transport Agency says that lower winter speed limits save lives – an estimated 15 ever year, as well as preventing 50 road traffic injuries. In addition, the lower limits lead to fuel savings, less wear and tear on road surfaces, and less noise pollution.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Driving on the ice road in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: ‘Smart’ public transport could cut car journeys, Yle News
Sweden: Motorists warned to watch out for wildlife on Sweden’s roads, Radio Sweden
