Senate-led efforts to instate Tempo 30 zones: Delaying traffic at night through legislative action
In a move aimed at balancing noise protection and air quality, the Berlin Senate has announced plans to expand the 30 mph (about 48 km/h) speed limit at night on main traffic networks. This decision, set to be addressed by the Senate of Berlin on August 19, will increase the current speed limit expansion by two-thirds, covering approximately 230 additional kilometers.
The new Clean Air Plan, which also includes provisions for lifting the speed limit where it has led to cleaner air, is primarily focused on noise reduction during the sensitive nighttime hours. Lower speeds generate less traffic noise, which is a significant disturbance to residents, improving overall living conditions.
Conversely, in areas where noise is less of a concern, relaxing the speed limit can alleviate stop-and-go traffic, thus lowering exhaust emissions. This approach ensures that speed restrictions are maintained only where noise impacts are highest, striking a balance between environmental and health goals.
The Senate has reviewed 25 road sections for heavily frequented school routes and other factors, but has not yet made a decision regarding the speed limit for the remaining 11 sections. Around 180,000 Berliners are expected to benefit from these noise reduction measures.
The German Federal Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has voiced support for this initiative, suggesting that more speed limit zones should be designated. Ute Bonde, Transport Senator of CDU, has confirmed this expansion.
However, the new regulations do not hinder the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe). The study from Berlin suggests that a speed limit could have prevented many accidents, particularly benefiting pedestrians more than cyclists.
It's worth noting that reducing the permitted maximum speed from 50 to 30 mph can reduce noise levels by two to three decibels. The Senate administration has checked 25 main road sections for the safe adherence to air quality limits and found that speed limits of 30 km/h must remain in place on 14 additional sections, totaling approximately 11 kilometers.
Currently, there are around 335 kilometers of permanent 30 mph speed limits in the nighttime period on Berlin's main roads. The Senate administration initially stated that speed limits of 30 km/h are to remain in place on seven main roads, totaling 5.5 kilometers, for the "safe adherence to air quality limits".
The BUND has also emphasized the safety benefits of speed limits, stating that they make streets safer, prevent accidents, and reduce the severity of traffic accidents. This expansion of the night-time speed limit on Berlin's main traffic networks represents a nuanced approach to urban traffic management, tailoring speed limits to specific environmental priorities.
