Road safety on the hot seat: intersection in Berlin remains unchanged!

Road safety on the hot seat: intersection in Berlin remains unchanged!

In the vibrant capital of Berlin, especially at the intersection of Budapester Strasse, Kurfürstenstrasse and Nürnberger Strasse, there are currently no plans for measurable changes to improve traffic safety or the quality of stay. According to the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Environment and Climate Protection, there is no need for action with regard to climate resilience and noise reduction, although measures to make cycling friendly have already been implemented in recent years. Nevertheless, dangerous situations for pedestrians often arise in this busy area. The current traffic light regulation favors motor traffic and the waiting times for pedestrians are sometimes unreasonable, which further endangers safety, as the GehCheck from FUSS e.V. shows.

While there are no immediate redesigns planned in Berlin, the city of Dresden is actively looking for ways to improve Budapester Straße in the southern suburb. The city has launched an online survey to ask citizens for their opinions. This survey is intended to collect wishes and suggestions regarding the proximity of Budapester Straße, where participation is voluntary and has no negative consequences for those who do not participate. All data collected is anonymized and deleted after two years, as the city of Dresden explains on its official website, where interested citizens can be comprehensively informed.

Urgent need for action in the transport infrastructure

The situation at busy intersections in Berlin is worrying. There is a lack of cycle paths and safe crossing options for pedestrians. In 2023 alone there was only one serious accident with injuries, which indicates the inadequate safety precautions. The planned speed reduction measures to reduce noise in Berlin have not yet been finalized, while in Dresden the citizens' dialogue on the future design of the surrounding area is already taking place. Obviously, transport policy varies significantly between cities.

The city of Berlin's traffic artery, which flows into this central intersection, requires a comprehensive reassessment and a progressive approach to combat the current problems - both to improve the quality of life and traffic safety. The focus on car traffic means that pedestrians and cyclists are often forgotten in this urban area, as both the Berlin administration and the Dresden citizen survey point out. It remains to be seen what measures will be taken in the future to improve safety and quality of life in these central locations.

Daily Mirror reported that there are no concrete plans yet, while the city of Dresden actively promotes citizen participation, as in this one Article from the city of Dresden is executed.