By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
Drivers on major state highways can now legally travel at 120 kilometers per hour, an increase from the current limit of 110, authorities said Wednesday.
The decision came in a joint meeting held by the National Police Agency and relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritimes Affairs.
“Advances in vehicles and highways has led to a change in the driving environment,” an official with the agency said. “The adjustment is expected to cut logistics costs, supporting the nation’s Green Growth campaign.”
There are currently six major highways with a 110-kilometer speed limit. Authorities will allow the new regulations on two of them starting next January.
Police and relevant ministries will form a task force to finalize the specifics by December.
Officials are also looking into re-adjusting speed limits on roads in cities and provinces, reducing the current speed limit by 10 kilometers.
There is a possibility of backlash from local governments, which the authorities will consider when making more concrete plans.
In Seoul, drivers can drive at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. In local areas, the routine speed limit is 70 to 80.