Speed limits changing again?

[Brian]

You may remember that most single carriageway roads in France (outside of towns) had a speed limit of 90kph until mid 2018 - they were then reduced to 80kph. There have been ongoing mutterings about some departements returning to the 90kph limit at some time but I'd seen nothing about 86's intentions.

Yesterday, I drove south west out of Montmorillon on the D729 and was surprised to see new speed limit signs giving 90kph as the limit.

Does anyone know when this changed and if the news has been posted officially anywhere? And what other roads does it apply to?

Brian

[Fred]

The D54 Montmorillon to Lathus is now back to 90. Also a few weeks ago I found parts of the road going west from Chauvigny had parts in 90

I read somewhere last year I think that it is now up to each department, I may be wrong but I think also some Mayors may decide what they like.

So be careful.

[Brian]

I ventured South into 87 today and none of the roads I traveled had been upgraded to 90. I wonder which others 86 has done - I still can't find a reliable online source...

[Brian]

I finally found an article explaining the changes in La Nouvelle Republique. There's a helpful colour-coded map that indicates which roads change and the appropriate date.

I'm surprised they are keepng the N147 to 80kph - but perhaps an increase would conflict with the decades-old plan to dramatically upgrade the route...
The narrower and windier road from Montmorillon to Chauvigny is now 90kph apparently.

[Fred]

I'm surprised they are keepng the N147 to 80kph - but perhaps an increase would conflict with the decades-old plan to dramatically upgrade the route...

Probably because it's a dangerous road, I find you can make up the lost time at the Fleure bypass.

But I would prefer them all to switch back to 90 rather than some.

[Michael_W]

after digging in the "code de la route" (and asking to french relatives) i found out that speed limits are set at national level for all National roads (RN xxx) so is RN147 

Local roads (D xxxx) speed limits are set by the department which is free (depending on the local configuration) to stick with 80 or increase up to  90 km/h

the former Vienne department president (who is now sitting in senate) said it will restore the speed limit to 90 km wherever it was possible and safe. this is what is happening!

[Brian]

Thanks Michael,
That explains (some of) it!