The cost of switching motorway signs to reflect the lower speed limit which comes into effect later this month will be in the region of €19m, a transport department spokesman has told the Telegraaf.

Earlier the infrastructure ministry put the cost at €7m to €8m.

The government decided in November to reduce the maximum speed on Dutch motorways during the day from 130 kph to 100 kph in an effort to reduce pollution. The new speed limit comes into effect on March 16.

Some 4,000 signs on 3,000 kilometres of motorway need to replaced or adapted ahead of the change. In addition, transport department software needs to be updated.

Work will start in earnest on March 12 and will involve 700 to 800 people, the department spokesman said.

The police have already said they do not have the capacity to routinely monitor whether the new speed limits are being obeyed but will use speed traps at ‘unexpected moments’.