Driving ban in Zurich's Langstrasse - after traffic controllers, now comes the automatic speed camera
Zurich's Langstrasse, known for its vibrant nightlife and diversity, has a new attraction, albeit one that is likely to be less popular with motorists: an automatic speed camera. From now on, anyone who violates the daytime driving ban will be automatically recorded and penalised.
The introduction of the driving ban on a section of Langstrasse had caused some confusion in the past. Many drivers did not adhere to the ban, which led to traffic jams and a large number of fines. In the first few weeks after its introduction, the Zurich city police handed out a total of 62 parking tickets during a two-hour check. Now the city police have resorted to new means and installed an automatic traffic control system.
The new speed camera is inconspicuously hidden in a grey box behind a prohibition sign and records all vehicles that disregard the driving ban. Taxis, buses of the Zurich public transport company (VBZ) and emergency vehicles are exempt from the regulation. All other vehicles are automatically forwarded to the central office for administrative fines at the Zurich city police. There, each case is checked individually and the offenders receive a fine of CHF 100. This corresponds to a value of approximately 106 euros.
The driving ban on Langstrasse is part of the "Low-car Langstrasse" project, which aims to reduce through traffic on this important arterial road. In this way, the city of Zurich aims to improve the quality of life on Langstrasse and optimise the flow of traffic for cyclists, buses and taxis.
Between 5.30 a.m. and 10 p.m., only cyclists, buses and taxis will be allowed to use Langstrasse in both directions. At night, however, the road is open to all road users. For local residents, the aim is to create a balance between traffic calming and subjective safety through social control.
Reactions to the change have been mixed. While many residents and cyclists welcome the traffic calming measures, there is also criticism. Some fear that the driving ban will merely lead to a shift in traffic to other neighbourhoods. Others, on the other hand, see the automatic imposition of fines as excessive.
It remains to be seen how well the driving ban will be enforced in future and whether it will actually lead to an improvement in the traffic situation and quality of life on Langstrasse. One thing is clear, however: anyone who disregards the driving ban must expect consequences. The automatic speed camera on Langstrasse shows that the Zurich city police are serious about enforcing the driving ban.