Excess nitrogen is threatening Dutch nature reserves
The administration of the province of Drenthe is considering reducing the maximum permitted speed on its roads, to help drop emissions. The province believes that people should not drive faster than 80 km/h on provincial roads- at the moment the limit sits at 100 km/h.
The measure is intended to help alleviate nitrogen problems and protect nature reserves, the Asser Courant reports.
The measure could lead to a speed reduction of 100 to 80 kilometers per hour on the N34 near the nature reserve around the Drentsche Aa river.
However, it will take further research to show the extent that this measure makes sense. The province manages a large number of through roads. The provincial government is currently working hard on a so-called ‘area-oriented’ approach.
Drenthe has eight areas where nature needs more protection. The province must ensure that the amount of nitrogen is reduced within several areas.
This has consequences for farmers in the area, but also for other residents, entrepreneurs and motorists.
The Dutch government is already reducing the maximum speed on all motorways. But this is just the beginning. In the coming years, the provinces must take measures for each nature area to bring the amount of nitrogen to an acceptable level on site. In Drenthe, emissions must fall on average by 600 moles per hectare of nature reserve.
Image: The Dwingelderveld Nature park in Drenthe. Via Drenthe.nl
