Berlin’s traffic policy is undergoing a significant change as CDU politician Dirk Stettner has confirmed that the city will lift the 30 km/h speed limit on 23 of its main roads later this year. The move reverses a policy introduced by the previous left-leaning Senate, which imposed lower speed limits on these roads to curb noise pollution and improve air quality.

Stettner stated that this decision would undo what he referred to as „green prohibition fantasies,“ arguing that the previous restrictions were unnecessary. He emphasized that the city would return to the established traffic regulations, asserting that the original intention behind the lowered speed limits was not always justified. According to Stettner, the air quality has improved to such an extent that a 50 km/h limit is now reasonable for these main roads.

However, this policy shift has drawn criticism, particularly from the SPD, Berlin’s coalition partner. Tino Schopf, the SPD’s transport spokesperson, expressed concerns about the safety of high-traffic routes, particularly near schools, kindergartens, care homes, and hospitals. He questioned whether the 23 roads had been adequately assessed for their proximity to these sensitive areas and argued that 30 km/h limits were still crucial in such zones for the safety of vulnerable road users.

In response, the traffic department has stated that it has not yet finalized which streets will be affected by the change. While some roads may see the speed limit raised, others may maintain the 30 km/h restriction, particularly where safety concerns persist.

This change follows the CDU’s earlier statements regarding the improvement of air quality in Berlin, which they argue no longer justifies the 30 km/h speed limits that were imposed under the former Green-led Senate. The debate continues, as the SPD, environmental groups, and the general public await further details on the upcoming implementation of the new speed regulations.