The Dutch government put forward
a new climate change package on Wednesday.
It includes a controversial proposal to lower the day-time speed limit on motorways to just 100 km/h (62 mph) from the current 130 km/h (80 mph). At night, the limit will stay the same.
The new limit is expected to come into force as soon as possible and will be one of the lowest in Europe. In neighboring Germany, some sections of highways have no speed limit at all.
The Dutch government has little room for maneuver. Last year, it was told by a court to take urgent measures to reduce emissions. The court also ordered the government to ensure that the country's emissions in 2020 will be at least 25% lower than those in 1990.
The court's decision forced the government to put a number of large construction projects on hold.
Writing on his official Facebook account Wednesday, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the new speed limit was a "rotten measure," but added it was necessary in order to protect jobs and builders.