Spanish Speed Limit To Drop to 110Km/h

March 7th - Mark it in your diaries. This is the date when the new Spanish national speed limit is set to come into effect.

The Spanish government approved the measure on Friday, justifying it as a fuel-saving measure, prompted by the political and social unrest in some of the world's major oil-producing countries.

Spain has around 60 days of oil stocks, so the government has decided - almost overnight - to spring this surprise legislation in an attempt, they say, to reduce the consumption of petrol and (presumably as a positive secondary effect, given that the impetus has been involuntary) help the environment.

The new speed limit has been described as 'transitory' by government ministers, but they have not been able to say how long the measures will remain in place. The 120 Km/h signs currently in place will be covered over with stickers, and illuminated temporary signs will be put in place in order to remind drivers of the new, reduced limit. All motorways are covered by the legislation - irrespective of the region or administrative authority who owns the roadway.

On top of this extraordinary measure, the central government has also announced a 5% cut in the price of RENFE's local commuter 'cercanías' and 'media distancia' trains. Further, a 7% use of biofuel has been targetted in an attempt to reduce dependency on foreign oil, and the Minister for Industry is also set to meet the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) to discuss measures such as the reduction of lighting in cities and public buildings.

The deputy Prime Minister, Alfredo Rubalcaba has stated that there is no risk of petrol or gas supplies running out, and that the measures are merely precautionary and sensible, with an estimated saving of 15% in petrol use and 11% in diesel.