Increased Traffic Delays Expected at the German-Polish Border Due to Border Controls

Traffic congestion is expected to worsen at the German-Polish border as a result of ongoing border controls implemented by both countries. The Federal Police in Germany is actively working to address these delays, which have been exacerbated by new regulations instituted in Poland.

The German Police Union (GdP) has expressed concerns about significant traffic jams during the holiday season, attributing these issues to the nature of the German border checks. According to GdP officials, while these checks are primarily transit checks rather than full inspections, they nevertheless contribute to a slowdown in traffic flow.

Since October 2023, Germany has been conducting random checks at the border to curb irregular migration, which has led to traffic disruptions within Poland as well. In response to Germany's increased border enforcement measures announced by Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt in May, Poland initiated its own border controls on July 7, scheduled to last until August 5. These actions have resulted in significant traffic delays, as evidenced by a lengthy backup reported on the A12 near Frankfurt (Oder) on Thursday.

In light of these developments, Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke has proposed the introduction of a third lane on the A12 to alleviate congestion. However, the Federal Police have indicated that there are challenges due to existing infrastructure limitations, which hinder their ability to manage traffic effectively.

Furthermore, the GdP has suggested the implementation of more flexible border checks. Officials have pointed out the need for innovative approaches to border control, including the use of mobile checkpoints and advanced technology such as drone surveillance. Despite the existence of proposals for a modernized border police system, progress in this area has been slow.

The GdP has also noted a decline in the number of migrants being accepted back into Poland following their rejection by German authorities. This situation has created additional burdens for the Federal Police, which reported that while they successfully deterred tens of thousands of individuals from entering Germany, the number of asylum applications remains relatively low. The ongoing challenges surrounding border management raise questions about the sustainability of current enforcement strategies.

As the summer travel season progresses, authorities are urged to find solutions that will minimize disruptions for commuters, vacationers, and commercial transport. Without significant changes, the probability of extended delays at the border remains high.