Speeds will gradually be adapted according to the level of safety of the road and to the degree of force the human body can withstand in the event of a single error, for example, if one were to drive off the road. The objective is to maintain a balance between road safety requirements, the environment, accessibility, navigability, favourable regional development, and equality.
In 2008 and 2009 the SRA will review all roads outside densely built-up areas. The work will begin on international E-road networks and certain national roads. During this time a number of municipalities will also begin to overhaul speed limits in densely built-up areas, although it is not yet clear which municipalities will be involved. The first speed limit sign changes have been planned for autumn 2008.
If all motorists respected the speed limits, approximately 150 lives would be saved each year. Carbon dioxide emissions would also be reduced by around 700 000 tonnes, the equivalent of emissions from 240 000 passenger cars.