(photo credit: masochismtango)
Sustainability is in again! While China tries to prevent its economy from growing out of control, Spain is slowing down for a totally different reason.
- Uprisings in the Middle East – particularly Libya – have hit Spain in the gas tank, and transit authorities are already trying to adapt. Beginning March 7th, drivers will have to slow down from 120 to 110 kilometers per hour on most main roads.
- Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister says the measure is extreme, and promises to change back as soon as possible. Supporters say that by saving at the pump, citizens will spend more of their money “going for tapas” and strengthening the economy.
- According to one estimate, the new speed limit will reduce fuel costs by 15%. But Spaniards are skeptical, and some say this is just a sneaky way for the government to raise revenues by handing out more speeding tickets.
Facts & Figures
- Spain usually imports 13% of its oil from Libya
- Other measures in place are designed to cut total national fuel consumption by 5%
- 110 kilometers per hour is equivalent to 68 miles per hour
Best Quote
“We are going to go a bit slower and in exchange we will consume less petrol and pay less money.” – Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, Deputy Prime Minister
>> What do you think?
Could a small change in the speed limit be a sustainable way of reducing dependence on oil?
