The implementation of the 80 km/h speed limit in France, introduced in 2018 by then Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, was intended to reduce road traffic fatalities. However, it quickly became a source of public anger and was linked to the emergence of the 'yellow vests' movement, which protested against rising fuel costs and economic inequality. Now, eight years later, the policy is seen as a failure, with over half of the departments in metropolitan France reverting back to the previous 90 km/h limit. This movement reflects a growing divide between rural and urban areas and highlights the challenges government policies face in addressing local needs.

The latest department to abandon the 80 km/h limit is Eure, which recently changed its road signs, becoming the 52nd department to return to the higher speed limit. This trend signals a shift in public sentiment and governmental recognition that the speed restriction may have been ill-conceived. The rapid reversal not only raises questions about the initial implementation of the policy but also about the effectiveness of such measures in improving road safety in the diverse contexts of French geography.

With rural citizens feeling particularly impacted by the restrictions, this change might restore a sense of autonomy on the roads while highlighting the need for better policymaking processes that include local voices. The debate regarding road safety and speed limits continues, and this development serves as a reminder of the complexities involved.