The Czech Republic has introduced its first motorway section with a higher speed limit of 150 km/h – but the type of signage chosen has already sparked criticism from traffic experts.

The stretch of the D3 motorway between České Budějovice and Tábor in South Bohemia has been selected as the country’s pilot project for the new higher limit, enabled by last year’s amendment to the Road Traffic Act. The section is relatively new, with few curves, making it suitable for testing increased speed.

Signs

Instead of modern digital variable message signs (VMS), the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) opted for mechanical signs based on rotating prisms. These signs can display only three options: a permitted speed of 150 km/h, a crossed-out “150” to mark the end of the section, or a neutral grey surface when inactive. “This design surprised me,” said transport expert Roman Budský from the Vision Zero platform for Novinky news website. “On a modern motorway, I would expect modern telematics. Digital signs abroad allow operators to reduce speeds during heavy traffic or poor weather, which makes driving safer.” Igor Sirota from the Czech Automobile Club (ÚAMK) voiced similar concerns: “For 54.5 million crowns, getting just 42 mechanical signs is rather modest. Digital signs could display much more – from speed reductions to overtaking restrictions.”

Cost

ŘSD defended the choice, citing financial reasons. “We consider the solution clear and simple,” said spokesperson Jan Rýdl. “Digital boards are currently installed only on the busiest motorway sections, such as the Prague Ring Road.” Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) acknowledged that he initially demanded digital variable signs but later accepted the mechanical solution. “Even these prism signs can be modified in the future, for example, to display a 100 km/h limit instead of a crossed-out 150. Some may also be replaced with digital boards later,” he explained. Kupka stressed the financial gap: “Full telematics here would cost ten times more than the current 54 million. Most of that went into underground control systems, optical fibres, and related technology – not just the signs themselves.”

Conditions

The new limit will only apply under favourable circumstances. “Visibility must be good, the road must be dry and clear, and traffic must be smooth without congestion or roadworks,” Rýdl specified. The signs will be operated remotely from a control centre. After six months, ŘSD will evaluate the pilot project. If successful, two more sections are planned for higher speed limits: between Kolín and Jaroměř on the D11 motorway, and between Bělotín and Bílovec on the busy D1.