Infrastructure minister Barry Madlener wanted to invoke special measures to allow motorists to travel at 130 kph on motorways all over the country soon after being sworn in, broadcaster RTL reported on Friday.

Documents requested by RTL Nieuws show that Madlener wanted to avoid debate by implementing a so-called “traffic ruling”, a formal decision to take certain traffic control measures — in this case an increase in the maximum speed limit.

The documents show Madlener asked civil servants to investigate the options. Bringing in such a ruling would allow motorists to drive at 130 kph without having to wait for legal procedures and protests, which could take years to complete.

Civil servants told the minister, who represents the far-right PVV, that a traffic ruling like this would be overturned in court very quickly. But, the minutes of the meeting show, he did not give up and wanted a more detailed explanation.

Eventually, the speed limit was increased on four stretches of road in April. In total, they cover 117 of the Netherlands’ 4,884 kilometres of motorway.