Berlin Halts Kiezblock Projects Citing Safety Concerns Over Traffic Bollards

Berlin's initiative to establish traffic-calmed 'Kiezblocks' in several neighborhoods has been suspended following concerns regarding the safety and financial implications of installing traffic bollards. The decision, implemented by the city's transport authority, has sparked a debate between city officials and local representatives over the management and future of urban traffic calming projects.

The transport senator defended the move to halt funding for Kiezblocks, particularly targeting the Mitte district, emphasizing that the use of physical bollards could pose risks to public safety. The senator stated that intervention was necessary to prevent potential hazards and economic losses for the city. This funding freeze affects not only the twelve planned projects in the Mitte district but also all similar initiatives citywide.

The original plan involved the creation of twelve traffic-calmed areas in Mitte, with a planning budget exceeding EUR700,000 allocated in 2022. This funding was designated solely for the planning phase, leaving the actual implementation unfunded. The abrupt suspension has resulted in the district being unable to pay ongoing invoices from the planning firm contracted for the project, leading to legal action and a court-issued payment order for an outstanding amount exceeding EUR144,000. Additional legal and interest costs are now expected to be borne by the city.

The halt was reportedly initiated after a local legislator from the same political party as the transport senator raised concerns about the impact of traffic restrictions in a direct communication with the senator. Despite internal advisories within the transport administration suggesting that the contractual obligations for the planning phase could not be revoked, the funding was nonetheless withdrawn in May.

Local representatives have criticized the decision, highlighting that the contracts with the planning bureau are legally binding and that the city could face financial repercussions due to unfulfilled agreements. The senator, however, maintains that the district administration could have renegotiated the terms of their contract following the initial communication regarding the planned changes.

Advocacy groups that initially championed the Kiezblocks concept have called for accountability, expressing dismay at the political process leading to the suspension. They also pointed to the additional costs now facing taxpayers as a result of the halted project and legal proceedings. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions in Berlin regarding the balance between traffic management, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.

As the situation stands, further development of similar traffic-calming measures in Berlin remains uncertain. The controversy has intensified discussions on how best to implement urban mobility projects while safeguarding public interests and ensuring compliance with existing contractual and legal obligations.