Poller in Berlin: Traffic accidents are falling - so there is a further discussion!

Poller in Berlin: Traffic accidents are falling - so there is a further discussion!

Weißensee, Deutschland - Again and again drivers in Berlin are faced with the topic of bollards - including in the composer district and in the Bellermannkiez. Newly set up bollards should ensure more peace on the streets and significantly increase the quality of life of the residents. The goal is clear: less through traffic, more space for pedestrians and cyclists and ultimately a reduction in the number of accidents. As berlin-live.de , the results in these districts already show significant success.

In the composer district, there is a remarkable decline in accidents - from 431 (2022) to only 207 (2024)! The access to the main network also benefited from 43 accidents (2022) to only 17 (2024). In Bellermannkiez, the number of accidents even fell by over ten percent since the introduction of traffic calming. These are numbers that speak for themselves and the doubts about the effectiveness of the bollards for the time being.

traffic calming: a lengthy process

The debate about traffic calming is a permanent favorite in many Berlin districts. One example is the Waldsee district, where conflicts have been romping about commuter flows for decades. These unfortunately not unusual sneaking paths are particularly a burden for the residents. Around 6,000 cars cross the quarter every day and cause trouble, such as rbb24.de . An initiative calls for a redirection of vehicle through traffic to improve the quality of life of the approximately 8,000 people living there.

However, the judge could soon be challenged: a recently submitted lawsuit wants to advance the traffic calming. The Berlin Administrative Court will probably decide on it in late summer 2025. Transport councilor Julia Schrod-Thiel (CDU) adheres to the subject and refers to the ongoing procedure.

analyzes show advantages for all modes of transport

Even if not everyone is inclined to the new bollards, the German Institute for Urban Studies (Difu) sees the 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 increases the general quality of life.

The fears that traffic will only be shifted seem to be unfounded. The so -called "Traffic Evaporation" says that the conversion to traffic -calmed zones actually drops the volume of traffic. Measurements have shown that in redesigned areas, the reduction in traffic is between 15 and 28 percent. This benefits not only the residents, but also the other road users, because fewer cars lead to more fluid traffic.

The discussion about bollards and traffic calming in Berlin remains exciting. While success is visible in some corners, there is still a lot to do in other parts of the city. It is hoped that the right balance will be found to increase the quality of life for everyone.