CDU Plans to Lift Speed Limits on 23 Berlin Streets

The Berlin CDU is set to remove speed limits on 23 main roads, returning the maximum speed to 50 km/h. This decision, announced by the CDU parliamentary leader Dirk Stettner, marks a significant shift in the city's traffic policy.

In the lead-up to this announcement, the CDU had indicated that it would reassess the existing Tempo-30 zones, particularly on major thoroughfares. Stettner emphasized that the party aims to reverse what they term the 'green prohibition fantasies' that led to these restrictions. He noted that the changes are expected to be implemented within the year.

In an interview, Stettner explained that the traffic regulations established by the previous green-led administration are no longer justified, particularly in light of improved air quality in the city. The CDU-led transport administration had previously highlighted that the conditions requiring these speed limits, originally imposed for air quality reasons, have changed significantly.

Stettner pointed out that the rationale for these limits has diminished, stating that the city's air quality has improved to a level that no longer necessitates such stringent speed restrictions on these roads. He reiterated that the CDU is committed to updating traffic regulations to align with the current environmental standards.

The announcement follows a broader trend in Berlin's traffic policy, where the interplay between environmental considerations and urban mobility continues to evolve. The CDU's proposed changes reflect a shift towards increased vehicular speed on main roads, which is expected to affect traffic flow and commuter experiences across the city.

As the CDU prepares to implement these changes, it remains to be seen how they will impact the overall traffic dynamics in Berlin. Stakeholders across the city, including residents, commuters, and environmental advocates, will likely have varying responses to the lifting of these speed limits.