Berlin District Accuses Senate of Hindering Traffic Calming Measures, Moves Forward Independently

The ongoing dispute between the Berlin Senate and the Mitte district administration over urban traffic calming has escalated, as local officials in Mitte accuse the city-state government of undermining agreed projects. The district claims that despite fulfilling additional requirements set by the Senate, funding for the planned traffic calming initiatives--known as 'Kiezblocks'--has been withheld, prompting the district to proceed with the installation of traffic control barriers independently.

The conflict centers around efforts to reduce car traffic in densely populated central neighborhoods of Berlin. Mitte district's original plan involved introducing multiple 'Kiezblocks'--designated residential zones aimed at limiting motorized through-traffic and enhancing pedestrian safety and quality of life. These initiatives often include the use of physical barriers, such as bollards, to restrict non-local vehicle access. The project was initially developed in cooperation with the city's traffic authority, with shared responsibilities for planning, public consultation, and financing.

However, the situation changed when the city's traffic administration, led by Senator Ute Bonde, imposed new conditions on continued financial support. The district was asked to narrow the focus to three Kiezblocks, consider less restrictive alternatives to bollards, and ensure that any traffic redirection would not overburden main streets. Mitte district complied with these stipulations, adjusting project plans accordingly and conducting extensive public participation through site visits and online surveys. The results of these consultations have been published by the district administration.

Despite these modifications, the district alleges that the Senate has not renewed its funding commitment, resulting in a direct financial loss estimated at approximately 300,000 euros. Additional contracted services worth over 110,000 euros remain outstanding since December 2024, further increasing the risk of financial liability. To minimize additional losses, Mitte district leaders have announced their intention to complete the ongoing work without further cooperation from the city's traffic authority. Discussions with the Senate's finance department regarding the outstanding funds are ongoing.

The relationship between the district administration and the Senate's traffic department has become increasingly strained, with officials in Mitte expressing a lack of confidence in the city authority as a reliable partner. They cite the withdrawal of funding despite compliance with all revised requirements as evidence of a breakdown in collaboration, stating that further joint efforts would only result in wasted resources.

The origins of the funding halt date back to December 2024, when the Senate's decision followed an inquiry from a local CDU representative. The district, which had already engaged an external firm for project planning and public outreach, was reportedly informed of the funding suspension months later, potentially leaving it liable for incurred costs. In September, the Senate traffic authority sent a list of conditions to the district, promising to reinstate funding if all requirements were met--a commitment which, according to the district, has not materialized.

No official response from the Senate's traffic administration has been issued regarding the district's allegations at the time of reporting.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by Berlin's local governments in implementing traffic calming measures and the impact of inter-governmental coordination on urban mobility initiatives. The outcome of the ongoing dispute may set a precedent for similar projects in other districts across the city.