Infrastructure minister Barry Madlener (PVV) has officially revealed the first three motorway stretches with a 24-hour maximum speed of 130 kph.

Motorists will be allowed to up speed on the A6 between Lelystad-Noord and Ketelbrug, most of the Afsluitdijk, and on the A7 between Winschoten and the border with Germany.

Another stretch of motorway, on the A37 between the Holsloot hub and Zwartemeer in Drenthe, will be added this summer, making a total of 117 kilometres, where 130kph  is the new maximum speed.

The ministry emphasised that motorists will have to wait until the signs are officially up before they press the accelerator.

“We think it’s important that it is immediately clear that 130 kph is the new daytime limit,” Madlener said. “That is why we are putting up more signs. And you don’t have to drive 130 kph, you can go at 100 kph  in the right-hand lane if you prefer.”

Madlener said no extra measures to limit noise or carbon dioxide emissions were necessary on the three motorway stretches. He will be briefing MPs about more potential 130 kph zones before the summer.

“Transport by car is important for people and businesses. Cars offer flexibility, speed and comfort,” Madlener said. The measure is part of the minister’s Action Agenda Auto, aimed at increasing motorists’ mobility.