Spain to reduce speed limit to conserve fuel

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

MADRID (AFP) — Spain will lower its speed limit outside major cities as part of a string of measures unveiled by the government Tuesday aimed at slashing its oil imports by 10 percent per year.

"Every time we lift our feet off the accelerator, we are improving GDP and employment," Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian told parliament as he outlined the 31 measures. "The era of cheap energy has passed."

The speed limit will be reduced by 20 percent in line with rules already in place in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, where it is set at 80 kilometres (50 miles) an hour.

Greater use of energy-saving light bulbs, reduced lighting on roads and restrictions on the use of air-conditioning in summer and heating systems in winter in public buildings are among...