ADAC warns: Tempo 30 zones in Rhineland-Palatinate harms traffic!

ADAC warns: Tempo 30 zones in Rhineland-Palatinate harms traffic!

In the Rhineland-Palatinate transport policy, an exciting debate about the expansion of Tempo 30 zones is emerging. The Auto Club Germany (ADAC) recently warned of the possible negative effects of an increasing proportion of these zones. According to a message from the ADAC Middle Rhine, the introduction of comprehensive speed limits, especially on main traffic, could result in unfavorable effects.

The ADAC emphasizes that a speed limit in residential areas makes sense because it contributes to calming down traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists feel safer in such zones. Targeted temporation, especially near schools or kindergartens, is also considered necessary. In contrast, a general speed limit of 30 km/h on main traffic should not bring the desired security and calming. Instead, it would lead to drivers switching to sneaking paths that often lead through residential areas.

changes in the road traffic regulations

An essential factor in this controversy is the latest changes to the road traffic regulations. These reforms enable municipalities to set up light speed 30 zones, bus traces and bike paths. The conditions for the introduction of these zones have been expanded, so that they can now also apply near playgrounds or on highly frequented school routes. So far, it was only allowed to introduce Tempo 30 zones in the immediate vicinity of facilities such as schools or daycare centers. In addition, the distance between two speed 30 zones may now be up to 500 meters-an increase of up to 200 meters.

These difficulties must, however, be proportionate. The ADAC warns that the introduction of new speed limits must not lead to an impairment of the flow of traffic or security, and that acceptance must be maintained in the population. The rational explanation of why there is a speed limit of 30 and no higher limit on certain streets is crucial for road users.

applications and permits

The efforts to set up Tempo 30 zones are increasing. Since the beginning of last year, 32 applications from Rhineland-Palatinate municipalities have been received by the state company Mobility. Minister of Transport Daniela Schmitt (FDP) announced at a parliamentary request from the AfD parliamentary group that five applications rejected, eleven are approved and 16 are currently being processed. While some municipalities have already received the green light for several zones, the district of Bad Dürkheim is particularly active because it can set up four zones.

The state company Mobility, the responsible supervisory authority, must give approval so that new measures to protect against noise and exhaust gases can be introduced. Models are used that predict a reduction in noise emissions by reducing the speed from 50 to 30 km/h. On average, this leads to a reduction in the average level between one and four decibels, according to the minister.

There is a special challenge in rural regions, where the main traffic flows are often led by town centers. The increase in travel times through tempo reduction could have a negative impact on the attractiveness of these places, since potential new citizens or companies could be deterred. The ADAC therefore took the view that these factors should also be taken into account when deciding on speed limits.

Studies show that air quality is not necessarily improved when the speed is reduced, and sometimes even higher pollutant loads were observed at km/h than 50. Instead, the ADAC emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions that are coordinated from vehicle technology to traffic planning.

In a similar tone, entrepreneurial representatives were also expressed. Karsten Tacke, managing director of the State Association of Entrepreneurial Associations, speaks for speed limits in sensitive areas, such as near schools and playgrounds. At the same time, it is important to him to maintain the performance of main traffic, especially for rural regions. This balancing act between security and efficiency considerations also affects the statutory steering and rest periods, which may not be hindered by increased speed limits.

The city day, on the other hand, has supported the new regulation of the road traffic regulations. Lisa Diener, the executive director of the municipal top association, sees the new regulations as an opportunity for municipalities to implement her traffic policy more effectively. In this way, cities can implement their transport and health policy goals to increase the quality of life for their citizens.

The discussion about Tempo 30 zones and their effects on safety, noise and the environment remains up to date. It remains to be seen how these developments will be made in the coming months and what decisions will ultimately be made by the responsible bodies, as reported www.tv-mittelrhein.de .