Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing has confirmed his rejection of a general speed limit of 30 km/h in cities. “In the cities there is not only inner-city traffic, but also through traffic. It not only affects the interests of the city’s residents, but also those who have to drive through,” said the FDP politician to the “Tagesspiegel” (Saturday). These different interests must be taken into account. Tempo 50 is currently the standard speed in urban areas in Germany.
At the end of January, for example, the German Association of Cities demanded that municipalities should be allowed to introduce a 30 km/h speed limit city-wide. Wissing should adjust the traffic law accordingly. The municipal umbrella organization supports the initiative “Liveable Cities” from hundreds of municipalities, which is committed to municipalities where they find it necessary to set the maximum speed of 30 km/h in built-up areas. The City Day is an alliance of more than 3,000 independent and district-affiliated cities and municipalities. Environmentalists are also calling for speed limits in cities.
More options in conversation
“We have already created many opportunities to introduce 30 km/h more easily on certain routes and in certain zones,” said Wissing. In addition, there is talk about how to expand the possibilities of the municipalities. “But I don’t believe in a nationwide speed limit of 30.”
On his ministry’s website, options are listed where Tempo 30 can already be ordered for a variety of reasons – in residential areas, in particularly dangerous situations, for noise protection, protection against exhaust gases or around facilities such as schools and day-care centers.
The coalition agreement between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP states: “We will adapt the Road Traffic Act and the Road Traffic Regulations in such a way that, in addition to fluidity and safety in traffic, the goals of climate and environmental protection, health and urban development are taken into account in order to give the federal states and local authorities scope for decision-making to open.” And further: “There will be no general speed limit.”
