End of 'Air Hundred' Speed Limit in Styria Starting Good Friday

Starting this Good Friday, the 'Air Hundred' speed limit will be abolished on specific sections of the A2 and A9 motorways in Styria. The decision will be formalized with a decree signed by the relevant provincial councilor, as announced by the Styrian government.

The existing speed limit between Graz East and West will remain in effect. The sections affected by the repeal include parts of the A9 between the Gratkorntunnel and the Peggau-Deutschfeistritz junction, as well as between Graz-West and Leibnitz. Additionally, sections of the A2 between Graz-East and Sinabelkirchen, and between Graz-West and Lieboch, will also see the removal of the speed restriction.

However, the 'Air Hundred' will remain in place between Graz-East and Graz-West, as this area has been subject to a permanent speed limit since 2017 due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods, medical centers, and schools.

As of July 2025, two new air quality monitoring stations will be established in heavily polluted areas along the A2 and A9. These stations will measure particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, collecting data for one year to assess pollution levels and develop potential measures thereafter. The provincial government aims to discuss necessary actions with the federal ministry to meet EU air quality standards, which will be enforced starting in 2030.

The Styrian government is optimistic that removing the speed limit will ease commuting for thousands of residents traveling on these routes. The provincial governor expressed confidence in monitoring environmental developments closely and indicated that protective measures for the Styrian environment would be implemented as needed.

In contrast, the Green party expressed disappointment over the decision, criticizing it as irrational. They argued that increased speeds would result in higher pollution levels affecting both local residents and commuters. The Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft (IG-L) allows Austrian states to impose temporary speed limits on motorways to mitigate vehicular emissions and improve air quality. The 'Air Hundred' has been activated in the Graz area since December 2006, and similar restrictions exist in other federal states. The effectiveness of these speed limits has been supported by evidence showing improved air quality, including reductions in particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

Currently, the speed limits in Styria are enforced across four segments along the A2 and A9 motorways, covering over 94 kilometers. These segments include routes extending from Graz to Sinabelkirchen, westward to Lieboch, north to the Gratkorntunnel, and south to Leibnitz.