麻豆传媒映画

Dynamic speed limits have been introduced on a new section of the busy A7 motorway near Lyon with the aim of making traffic flow smoother and improve road safety. 

New rules mean that from today (October 8), speed limits will fluctuate, generally in 20 km/h increments, ranging from 110 km/h to 50 km/h. 

They will automatically adjust according to traffic and weather conditions. When traffic becomes heavy, the standard 110 km/h limit can fall to 90 km/h. If conditions worsen further, it may be reduced to 70 km/h and then again to 50 km/h.

Officials say the new system aims to smooth traffic flow, reduce the risk of accidents, and lower emissions by preventing sudden braking and acceleration. It should improve air quality, they say.

The impacted stretch of road runs northbound between the Ternay interchange and the 鈥榖oulevard urbain sud鈥� (former D301 road) near Feyzin, essentially the end of the motorway before it enters the centre of Lyon.

Electronic displays used for informing drivers of weather and road conditions will now also show real-time speed limits. Drivers risk typical speeding penalties if they do not comply.

Dynamic speed limits are in place on several other roads in France, including the A31 between Richemont (Moselle) and Luxembourg, and several stretches of the A13. 

The technology is already in operation on the A7 between Orange and Ternay (in both directions), with the latest rollout extending the section of - though currently only in the northbound direction. 

Unlike the preceding section of the motorway, which can drop speeds down to 70 km/h, the implementation of a carpool and green vehicle lane on the newly-impacted stretch means limits can drop further. 

鈥淲hen [the carpooling and green vehicle] lane is activated, the speed limit is set at 70 km/h on all lanes. Dynamic speed control will allow this speed to be reduced to 50 km/h in the event of traffic jams,鈥� said the Rh么ne prefecture, which covers the stretch of road impacted.