For climate protection and higher quality of life: German metropolis introduces speed limit of up to 20

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Germany’s major city, Frankfurt am Main, is getting serious about significantly reducing the speed limit in the city centre. While the maximum speed limit in Germany, as in our country, is 50 km/h, drivers will slow down to 20 km/h in the future in the city center of the metropolis with a population of approximately 780,000. This was reported by the German news magazine “Spiegel”.

Wolfgang Siefert, head of the traffic department from the Alliance 90/Green party, wants to prevent vehicle traffic, which he sees as pointless: “Going from the parking lot to the parking garage or posing with the car should no longer be in the city center,” he said. German Press Agency. The aim is better quality accommodation and a city center that is not car-free but has few cars. The measures also served to protect the climate and ensure future equality for all road users.

More bike space, less parking space

It starts with the area around the stock market in December. The speed limit needs to be expanded step by step to neighboring districts. However, only on side streets – existing speed limits on main roads should continue to apply to passing traffic. Further measures are being considered: Siefert also wants to significantly reduce the number of street parking spaces. Those left behind will no longer be free in the future.

“If you want to come to Frankfurt city center by car, you can continue that and then enter the parking garage,” he said. There should be more disabled parking and taxi parking spaces, as well as more delivery and loading zones. Parking spaces that are currently free will be charged in the future. Many side streets should also be made bicycle friendly. Siefert wants to take the wind off criticism of the measures with a survey measuring satisfaction with traffic calming measures next year. The green politician says he has received great support for the planned new regulations.

Barcelona and Paris as pioneers

A serious reduction in urban speeds has been discussed in Zurich for two years. By 2030, the speed of approximately 150 kilometers of road network should be limited from 50 km/h to 30 km/h; The reason for this is also to improve the quality of life, reduce the number of accidents and reduce noise emissions. Other Swiss cities are planning to expand 30 km/h zones.

There are also restrictions in other European countries. Nearly 900 cities and municipalities in Germany have come together to create an initiative for a general speed limit of 30 in urban areas. In metropolises such as Barcelona (Spain) or Paris, the 30 km/h speed limit has been in force for a long time in large areas.

Source: Blick