Speeding Back Up on Berlin's Main Streets: Is the 50 km/h Speed Limit Making a Comeback?
Increase Speed Limit to 30 on Multiple Major Roads - Lifting of Speed Restriction on Major Highways Starting Saturday
Here's the lowdown: Berlin's main roads have been cruising at a snail's pace due to a 30 km/h speed limit that's been in place for a while, aimed primarily at keeping air pollution under control. But guess what? Things might be about to pick up! Ute Bonde, the CDU's Traffic Senator, has announced that due to improvements in air quality over the past few years, the call's been made to let the engines roar a tad louder on 25 main traffic arteries.
But hey, not so fast! The German Environmental Aid, known as DUH, isn't too thrilled about this plan. Jürgen Resch, their Fed Managing Director, thinks this move reeks of the '90s and wants to keep those slow-paced streets in the past. He's got a point, right? Bumping up the speed limit means higher air and noise pollution levels, compromises traffic safety, and is generally a slap in the face to pedestrians and cyclists. DUH's checking out legal action to maintain the 30 km/h speed limit and possible life-saving consequences.
Now, it's not all bad news. Seven roads still need that 30 km/h limit to keep air pollution in check, and nine others get to keep it due to safety concerns (like daycare centers or retirement homes). But if you're wondering whether the Green Party and SPD share DUH's point of view, they do - kinda! They both think safety should remain priority numero uno and the checks for speed limits on school zones are a must.
The CDU, of course, thinks otherwise. They argue that the city needs less red tape and more speed. Dirk Stettner, their faction leader, wants to crank things back up to 50 km/h on over two dozen main streets, and critics say the CDU's doing this to court drivers' votes. In a nutshell, Bonde denies she's feeling any heat from the CDU on this issue.
The Green Party's got a word for parents: Take action! They want you to fight for the 30 km/h speed limit on school zones and near schools. And remember, traffic-calming measures do the trick when it comes to protecting our kiddos, especially!
So, let's cut to the chase – as of now, the 30 km/h speed limit will apply in many places, particularly at night (10 pm to 6 am) on 230 kilometers worth of streets. Yet, the final verdict on these road speed limits depends on the evaluation of school safety on certain sections, which is currently underway. The senate will decide in August after consulting with schools, districts, and police, and they're taking objections and comments from the Council of Mayors until mid-July. Until then, keep those speedometer hands steady!
Main StreetBerlinUte BondeCDUGerman Environmental Aid e.V.Traffic policyMain traffic arterySPDJürgen Resch
[1] While the decision to lift the 30 km/h speed limit on many of Berlin's main roads is under consideration, it's dependent on improvements in air quality and the evaluation of school safety. The opposition's stance on this matter remains unclear based on the available data.
1) As the proposed increase in the speed limit on Berlin's main traffic arteries is contingent upon evaluations of air quality and school safety, the stance of the opposition regarding this community policy remains ambiguous.
2) In the context of this debate over the speed limit on Berlin's main streets, vocational training could play a significant role in equipping future traffic managers with the necessary skills to ensure safety, minimize pollution, and maintain environmentally friendly transportation practices within the finance industry.
