EU lawmakers are advocating for the prohibition of the term 'cruelty' in their legal framework.
In an effort to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries, German authorities, led by Michael Mertens, deputy federal chairman of the Police Union (GdP), are proposing stricter enforcement and new measures to combat excessive speeds on German roads.
Mertens, along with other authorities, believes that the current measures, such as strict speed limits, significant fines for speeding violations, mandatory use of seatbelts, and zero-tolerance blood alcohol limits, are not enough. The 'Blitzermarathon' traffic safety measure, conducted by several German states, is seen as insufficient by Mertens.
The risk of being caught speeding outside of targeted controls remains too low in Germany, according to Mertens. He emphasizes the need to bring the topics of speed, speeding, and accident risks into the public eye to advance the Vision Zero. Mertens has also advocated for increased personnel for more frequent police traffic controls.
Existing measures in Germany include speed limits of 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h outside urban areas, though some Autobahn sections remain without speed limits. Significant fines and penalties are in place for speeding violations, as calculated by Germany's comprehensive traffic fine system.
Mertens has criticized the lack of progress in implementing higher fines and more personnel for more frequent police traffic controls. He has also expressed disappointment over the slow pace of change in this area.
Experienced speeders in Germany are reportedly familiar with the locations of static speed cameras, suggesting that current enforcement efforts may not be sufficient to deter excessive speeding. Mertens believes that more needs to be done to address this issue.
On August 4, 2025, Mertens called for more substantial action to address the issue of excessive speed on German roads. The Police Union (GdP) has stated that excessive speeds are the main cause of accidents on German roads, underscoring the urgency of these proposed changes.
As the debate continues, it is clear that German authorities and the Police Union are committed to finding solutions to improve road safety and reduce the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The focus remains on a multifaceted approach, combining fines, controlled enforcement, and public education to create a safer driving environment for all.
- Other authorities, alongside Mertens, are advocating for higher fines and more personnel to conduct more frequent traffic controls, expressing frustration with the slow pace of change in addressing excessive speeds on German roads.
- Aware of the insufficiency of current measures, such as the 'Blitzermarathon' traffic safety measure and strict speed limits, Mertens believes that more dialogue about speed, speeding, and accident risks is necessary to reinforce the Vision Zero and establish a general-news topic in the public eye.
- In light of criticism of the current enforcement efforts and the introduction of new measures, Mertens has pointed towards crime-and-justice issues, including car-accidents, as areas where stricter policies are needed to protect the well-being of German citizens and promote a culture of responsible driving.
