Speed ​​limit update: opponents or supporters of 50 km/h on main roads?

Speed ​​limit update: opponents or supporters of 50 km/h on main roads?

What's happening in Berlin? Speed ​​limits on major roads are currently being debated in the capital and a change could be imminent. According to Transport Senator Ute Bonde (CDU), the air quality has improved in many places in Berlin, which could potentially lead to 50 km/h instead of 30 km/h being allowed on many main roads in the future. Metaphorically speaking, this could ease traffic on the main roads and increase the quality of life in the affected areas. Even though the speed limit is currently 30 on 41 main roads, some streets are exempt from the changes. Despite these developments, the pollutant levels on seven roads remain too high, which is why the 30 km/h speed limit still applies there.

The current discussion about speed limits is closely linked to the air pollution control plans that are necessary in areas where EU air pollutant limits are exceeded. These plans contain measures to reduce air pollution and are updated regularly as long as air quality values ​​are not met. According to Environment NRW, these plans can also be checked for their effectiveness and citizens are invited to make suggestions for improving air quality.

Listen to the citizens!

The Berlin Senate has already approved the update and amendment to the current air pollution control plan, which means that the Council of Mayors has until mid-July to express objections and comments. A final decision by the Senate could be made on August 5th. Until this decision is made, the current speed limits will remain in place, which means that drivers in Berlin will remain at the usual speed limits for a while.

A particularly important point in this discussion is the safety of routes to school. The Senate has already started examining whether the speed limit on 25 main roads needs to be maintained for reasons of safety on the way to school. This review is carried out in close cooperation between schools, districts and the police. But there is still a crucial catch here: There is currently no experience with “highly frequented” school routes, which makes decision-making complicated.

A look into the future

As the debate about speed limits continues to unfold, it is becoming clear that air pollution control planning is a mandatory task for the state. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the district governments are responsible for this. They not only develop new air pollution control plans, but also examine existing strategies to improve air quality. In 2015, an overall strategy for improving air quality was published in Cologne, which brings together various actors, such as municipalities, companies and environmental associations.

The question remains what future measures to reduce emissions will look like and whether the planned changes to speed limits will help air quality improve even further. Whether new speed limits are the right solution or not remains to be seen. It is clear that there is something to be said for all of this: air quality and traffic safety must be brought into balance in order to guarantee the well-being of citizens.