In a move to address air pollution concerns, Italy has empowered its regions to implement lower speed limits on highways and motorways, particularly in urban areas grappling with poor air quality. This initiative, effective as of Wednesday, is part of a broader government decree aimed at environmental protection.

The new legislation allows for temporary or permanent speed limit reductions when necessary to curb vehicle emissions contributing to elevated air pollutant levels.

This measure directly contrasts with Transport Minister Matteo Salvini's prior suggestion to increase the motorway speed limit from the current 130 km/h to 150 km/h. The typical speed limit on main roads is 110 km/h.

The decree is also designed to mitigate the number of European Union infringement proceedings against Italy, frequently initiated due to violations of the bloc's environmental regulations.