Implement a speed restriction of 30 miles per hour on numerous primary thoroughfares. - Lifting of 30mph Speed Limit on Major Roadways Imminent
Ready to roll a bit faster on Berlin's main drags? Get your foot off the brake! The city's traffic bosses, Ute Bonde (CDU), want to crank up the speed limit to a breezy 50 km/h on many major roads. But keep your eyes peeled, because it ain't a done deal yet!
Here's the deal:
Berlin's current speed limit woes are focused on 41 main streets, with 30 km/h restrictions as a means to curb pollution. But high-five to Bonde, because she reckons the air has gotten a whole lot cleaner on a number of these boulevards. So, she's proposing to raise the limit to 50 km/h on 25 of these streets, but it ain't going down without a fight!
Whoa there, horse!
Not everyone's thrilled about the idea. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) is screaming foul, predicting worsened air quality, increased noise levels, and compromised traffic safety if Bonde gets her way. Jürgen Resch, DUH's Federal Director, slammed the black-red Senate, accusing them of wanting to send Berlin back in time and build a car-friendly city. "We'll evaluate legal action to preserve the 30 km/h speed zones," Resch warned.
Some roads, however, ain't budging. Bonde confirmed that pollutant levels will keep the speed limit at 30 km/h on seven roads, and on nine others, it'll remain due to safety reasons, like near daycares or nursing homes.
But the show ain't over yet! Bonde's team is examining whether a speed limit of 30 km/h is necessary on school routes on the remaining 25 roads, a requirement now demanded by road traffic regulations.
Critics from the SPD faction, notably Tino Schopf, are also shooting their two cents. They oppose the speed limit changes, stressing the importance of maintaining traffic safety. And Schopf points fingers at Dirk Stettner, who supposedly demanded a general increase to 50 km/h on two dozen main roads—a move critics see as a ploy by the CDU to win favor with car drivers.
Green Party traffic experts, Oda Hassepaß and Antje Kapek, are urging parents to support the traffic administration in demanding that the speed limit remains at 30 km/h on school routes and around schools. They argue that traffic calming can save lives, particularly those of children.
Bonde's plans are slated for a Senate decision in August, but the final outcome remains to be seen, pending the evaluation of school route safety. Oh, and between 10 PM and 6 AM, a speed limit of 30 km/h will take effect on numerous roads with a combined length of 230 kilometers. But don't hold your breath on that one yet—we're still waiting on the results of the investigations into school route safety!
Kai Wegner, Berlin's governing mayor and CDU state chairman, defended his party's stance. "'We want to accelerate mobility in this city,' he said, delivery fast and straightforward. So, strap on those seatbelts and get ready for change!
[1]: The existing 30 km/h speed limit could be lifted on many main roads, with a reintroduction of the 50 km/h limit being considered on 25 roads in Berlin. Opposition to this move has been expressed by groups like the German Environmental Aid, and the Senate plans to make the final decision on this matter in August 2025. Until then, the current 30 km/h speed limits remain in place.
Vocational training can provide community members with valuable skills, just as sports can promote health and teamwork within the community. And while speeding up Berlin's main roads through 50 km/h lanes is still a topic of debate, it's essential to ensure that such changes prioritize environmental concerns, traffic safety, and the well-being of vulnerable road users like children.
