Union Advocates for Default 30 km/h Speed Limit in Urban Areas to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

The police union is calling for a standard speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour in cities to better protect pedestrians. For years, the number of pedestrian accidents has remained consistently high, prompting experts to suggest significant changes in traffic planning.

According to Michael Mertens, the deputy national chairman of the police union, a speed limit of 30 km/h can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries in accidents. He noted that in areas where pedestrian paths are adequately secured, it may still be appropriate to allow faster speeds of up to 50 km/h or more. Mertens is also advocating for increased fines for traffic violations.

Katalin Saary, a traffic planner from the Association for Urban, Regional, and Land Use Planning, emphasized the need for a shift in traffic planning priorities. She stated that pedestrian safety should be the primary focus, with considerations for parking spaces only coming into play when there is remaining space available. Saary also pointed out that many accidents occur due to improperly parked vehicles.

Experts will convene at the Traffic Court Day in Goslar starting January 29 to discuss these issues. This annual three-day congress is one of the most significant gatherings for traffic safety and law experts in Germany, concluding with recommendations for lawmakers.

Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office reveal that pedestrians accounted for nine percent of all traffic accident participants in 2023, making them the second-largest group after drivers. The number of pedestrians involved in accidents in 2023 reached 33,504, nearly matching the pre-COVID figure of 34,815 recorded in 2019. Alarmingly, the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 rose to 449, surpassing the 429 recorded in 2019. Vulnerable groups, particularly children under 15 and seniors over 75, are disproportionately affected in such incidents. Experts are now calling for swift improvements in pedestrian safety measures, which could include more crosswalks, traffic lights, and pedestrian islands, according to Kristin Zeidler, head of accident research at the German Insurance Association.

Technological advancements also present opportunities for enhancing pedestrian safety. This includes the introduction of mandatory active braking systems in new vehicles, as opposed to merely alerting drivers. Additionally, interconnected traffic signals and vehicles could improve communication about pedestrian or other hazards.