Since 2009, the Air Intake Control Act (IG-L) has imposed a temporary speed limit of 100 km/ha on parts of the Südautobahn (A2) and the Pyhrnautobahn (A9). A new study by the Graz University of Technology on behalf of the State of Styria confirms the need to reduce speeds, said Ursula Lackner (SPÖ), State Councilor for the Environment, on Monday.
Graz was Austria’s “fortress of good dust”.
There is currently no alarming situation in terms of air quality, the regional adviser said, but only 15 years ago Graz was the “fine dust fortress” in Austria. Several measures such as more public transport, replacement of heating systems and the so-called dust limit on around 100 kilometers of motorway would have contributed to better values. “The package had the effect that was hoped for,” said Lackner.
Despite the positive developments, they do not want to eliminate the restrictions. Thomas Pongratz, head of the air pollution control department, knows that the EU’s legal limit values will be further reduced in the coming years. At that point at the latest, the speed reductions would be necessary again as it is not expected that the new requirements will be met immediately.
“Wonderful success with the degree”
The study examined the levels of fine dust and nitrogen dioxide 100 meters to the left and right of the affected sections. It has been shown that there have been significant improvements in dust pollution since 2002. On the other hand, nitrogen oxide levels have not been achieved everywhere yet, says Pongratz. For this reason alone, the IG-L cent cannot be cancelled. Overall, he described the results of the study as a great success of the measure. “A big result with little effort,” said the state councilor. Pongratz emphasized that the speed limit may be “difficult”, but it does not have a significant impact on road users.
The Styrian FPÖ, among others, sees things in a completely different way and has been calling for an end to the dust border for months. In Salzburg, the ruling was withdrawn again under Deputy Governor Marlene Svazek (FPÖ) because the values had improved. The Styrian Freedom Party sees parallels with the Green Mark. Pongratz, on the other hand, said that there were different conditions in Salzburg and values were raised differently. Therefore, this could not be transferred to Styria. Lackner stressed: “It’s not a political decision but a decision based on reality. ” In addition, they do not want to recklessly jeopardize the successes achieved so far.
They are probably less frequent on the A9 towards Slovenia
However, last year’s results brought one change: on the section of the A9 south from Graz to Leibnitz, it was clear that the values were adhered to, which is why the speed limit will likely be increased by 100 km /ha applied so often in this area, at least until the next review.
Overall, the speed restrictions according to IG-L in Styria are divided into four sub-corridors: East extends from Graz to Sinabelkirchen, West to Lieboch, North to the North Gratkorn Tunnel and South to Leibnitz. The entire 155-page study will also be available online in the coming days, according to the state counsel’s office.
