Local drivers are protesting the 60-km/h speed limit on the Haixia Bridge in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.

Lower traffic on the Haixia Bridge triggered an outcry among local drivers in Pingtan to raise the current 60-km/h speed limit. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

Haixia Bridge and its neighboring auxiliary bridge serve as the only overland entrance and exit for Pingtan Island. Both have three one-way lanes—Haixia is for vehicles leaving the island, while the auxiliary bridge is for those entering.

The speed limit on the two bridges is set at 60 km/h, which bewilders many drivers. Many think the rule is absurdly harsh.

"Before, there was only the Haixia Bridge, so the 60 km/h limit made sense. Now the auxiliary bridge is open, which gives us six lanes two ways. There is no reason to stick to the old rules at all," said driver Xue Jie.

Drivers like Xue would like local traffic rules to keep pace with China's prevailing highway speed standards, which stipulate that the speed of vehicles should stay between 60 and 120 km/h. In other words, the highest speed on Pingtan's bridges is set to equal the lowest possible speed on normal highways.

"Haixia Bridge is certainly part of the highway," contested a driver.

Jia Anshun, a taxi driver from Henan province, added that many of his passengers complain about the speed cap, too.

He also said that many drivers speed up once they pass security cameras on the bridge.

Now that the auxiliary bridge has opened and relieved traffic pressure from the Haixia Bridge, the speed limit can be raised to a more appropriate level, such as 80 km/h, suggested Mr. He, who was recently ticketed for speeding on the bridge.