Neutor lock in Salzburg: old plans, new controversy!

Neutor lock in Salzburg: old plans, new controversy!

In Salzburg, the red-green pink coalition plans a drastic transition to reduce the throughput traffic through the old town. As Orf Salzburg , the focus of this initiative is on the Neutor lock, which is now to be enforced. With this measure, the new mayor Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ) pursues the goal of redirecting the traffic between the districts of Riedenburg, Mülln and the right old town by creating alternative routes. In addition to a roundabout on Hildmannplatz and a traffic-calmed meeting zone between pony turf and the House of Nature, there are only a few exceptions from the lock, including for residents, delivery and repair services as well as hotel guests.

The discussion about the Neutor lock is not new, as krone.at . The SPÖ and Greens already presented this proposal during the election campaign in 2019, but were punished by the voters. Despite the devastating defeat five years ago, Auinger now sees the opportunity to bring the plans failed at the time. During his term as mayor, he has a clear strategy, which, however, encounters resistance among drivers. Traffic city councilor Anna Schiester (citizen list) will look after the implementation of the unpopular measures. It is planned to maintain the temporary lock during the construction work at the Festspielhaus.

criticism of political decisions

The political dynamic that has developed since the last election is particularly remarkable. The alliance at the time was voted out despite its initiatives, and the People's Party, led by Mayor Harald Preuner, emerged as a clear winner. However, the 2019 setback could now turn into a political upswing for Auinger because he spoke out against the controversial S-Link. This development raises questions as to whether the political forces in Salzburg are actually willing to implement innovative ideas or whether it is again using proven but failed concepts.