国际英语新闻:German green party reiterates support for general speed limit across Germany

BERLIN, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Germany's green party (Die Gruenen) is voicing support for a general speed limit on German highways via Cem Oezdemir, the former head of the German greens who considered the speed limit to be a "commandment of reason" in an interview with the German broadcaster ARD on Tuesday.

Speed limits of 130 kilometers per hour are already in place for a third of Germany's highways but Germany's green party has been demanding a speed limit across the entire country for years, according to Oezdemir.

Fast driving would lead to higher carbon dioxide emission, a higher number of "serious accidents" as well as poorer traffic flow, the green party politician added.

Commenting on the debate over general speed limits in Germany, Oezdemir added that "it is a bit like discussing with Americans over the right to carry weapons,". The debate would be conducted "very irrationally".

German Minister for transport Andreas Scheuer (CSU) rejects a general speed limit as it was "against all common sense". Scheuer added that "demands that trigger anger, annoyance, burdens or endanger our prosperity do not become reality and I reject them."

Oezdemir commented that he was aware that his party did not have a majority for this demand but criticized that others never made any suggestions but always answered with a "no."

Lower Saxony's Minister-president Stephan Weil (SPD) as well as Germany's free democratic party (FDP) also reject a legal speed limit of 130 kilometers per hour and argue that the speed limits that are already in place would be sufficient.

A group of experts commissioned by the German government is currently working on ideas for more climate protection regarding the German government's climate protection targets by 2030. The commission recently discussed the idea of including a speed limit of 130 kilometers per hour, higher fuel costs and a binding quota for electric cars.

Government spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that "we want a conclusive overall concept and not a discussion of individual measures," and added that the coalition had agreed to coordinate further action with a view to a climate protection law by the end of February this year.