Berlin: First Tempo 30, then Noise Zone?

The Berlin Senate wants to extend the 30 km/h speed limit to more main roads. This was announced by the Senate Transport Administration, which adds that the review will be based on the current Berlin Noise Action Plan 2019-2023. A step-by-step approach is planned. In the first phase, a night-time concept is to be developed, which will serve to clarify the new roads affected. Afterwards, the restrictions are also to apply around the clock and limit driving speeds to a maximum of 30 km/h in several urban areas. The all-day arrangement is to be developed in the form of "a phased plan oriented to noise pollution," according to transport senator Bettina Jarasch (Greens). The announced aim of the extension of the 30 km/h zones is precisely to curb traffic noise, which is to be reduced considerably by lowering the maximum permitted speed. It will be as if there are about 40 to 50 percent fewer vehicles on the road, the spokesperson explained. Therefore, in addition to environmental zones, noise protection zones may also be created in the future as a further part of immission control. To date, however, there is only one such zone in Europe. In 2020, Außerfern in Austria will be the first noise protection zone in Europe. Although the requirement to comply with an appropriate decibel level only applies to loud motorbikes so far, the zone could become a model for Berlin and the rest of Germany. However, the reduction of motor vehicle noise is not the only reason for the introduction of 30 km/h. In order to increase road safety, there are already about 70 sections with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h for the most part. Most of these are in the vicinity of day-care centres, schools or hospitals, and 23 of them apply around the clock. A lower speed, however, not only means less noise pollution, but also that city traffic will flow more slowly. The city administration's plan could therefore lead to difficulties for the BVG public transport system. Along the affected sections, there could be potential travel time extensions. According to the study, BVG buses could lose about 90 seconds of travel time per station. This could also result in missed connections to other lines and the need for changes. On the other hand, the extension of a 30 km/h speed limit to more urban routes, together with the already established environmental zone, could not only reduce traffic noise but also contribute positively to improving air quality. A positive sign for a greener and more sustainable future of mobility should thus be set. Precisely for these reasons, the introduction of such driving speed restrictions is not only part of the Noise Action Plan, but it is one of the points anchored in the coalition agreement of the SPD, the Greens and the Left. However, it is not yet clear how exactly the creation of a noise protection zone for Berlin will proceed. However, the investigations should be completed by the end of the year.