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Bollards in Berlin: Traffic accidents are falling - so the discussion continues!
New bollards in Berlin improve traffic safety and quality of life in residential areas, showing positive results since 2022.
Bollards in Berlin: Traffic accidents are falling - so the discussion continues!
Drivers in Berlin are repeatedly confronted with the issue of bollards - including in the composers' quarter and in the Bellermannkiez. Newly installed bollards are intended to ensure more peace and quiet on the streets and significantly improve the quality of life of residents. The goal is clear: less through traffic, more space for pedestrians and cyclists and ultimately a reduction in the number of accidents. How berlin-live.de reported, the results in these districts are already showing clear successes.
There has been a remarkable decrease in accidents in the Composers' Quarter - from 431 (2022) to just 207 (2024)! The main network access routes have also benefited from 43 accidents (2022) to just 17 (2024). In Bellermannkiez, the number of accidents has even fallen by over ten percent since traffic calming was introduced. These are numbers that speak for themselves and dispel doubts about the effectiveness of the bollards for the time being.
Traffic calming: A lengthy process
The debate about traffic calming is a long-running issue in many Berlin neighborhoods. One example is the Waldseeviertel, where conflicts over commuter flows have been raging for decades. These secret routes, which are unfortunately not uncommon, are particularly stressful for residents. Around 6,000 cars pass through the district every day and cause trouble, like rbb24.de reported. One initiative calls for a diversion of vehicle traffic in order to improve the quality of life of the around 8,000 people living there.
However, the judges could soon be called upon: A recently filed lawsuit wants to promote traffic calming. The Berlin administrative court will probably decide on this in late summer 2025. Transport City Councilor Julia Schrod-Thiel (CDU) is keeping a low profile on the topic and refers to the ongoing proceedings.
Analyzes show advantages for all modes of transport
Even if not everyone is in favor of the new bollards, the German Institute for Urban Studies (Difu), which is from difu.de is cited, positive effects through appropriate measures. A comprehensive analysis has shown that urban traffic calming not only reduces through traffic, but also improves the overall quality of life.
Fears that traffic will simply be shifted often seem to be unfounded. The so-called “traffic evaporation” means that the volume of traffic actually decreases as a result of the change to traffic-calmed zones. Measurements have shown that the reduction in traffic in redesigned areas is between 15 and 28 percent. This not only benefits residents, but also other road users, because fewer cars lead to smoother traffic.
The discussion about bollards and traffic calming in Berlin remains exciting. While successes are visible in some corners, there is still a lot to do in other parts of the city. It remains to be hoped that the right balance can be found to increase the quality of life for everyone.