Traffic revolution: New access management reduces traffic jams and pollutants!

Traffic revolution: New access management reduces traffic jams and pollutants!

Pontevedra, Spanien - The planned amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) by Transport Minister Peter Hanke is positive. The VCÖ welcomes the initiatives for traffic calming through automated access management in cities. The basis for these measures are not new: In Italy, the “Zona Traffico Limitato” (ZTL) model has been successfully implemented in over 300 cities since the 1990s, including Rome, Milan and Turin. As mominitaly.com , the ZTL system aims to reduce traffic, traffic jam and pollution into city centers.

The "Zona Traffico Limitato" can be active around the clock or at certain times. In Bologna, traffic was reduced by 23 percent after the introduction in 2006. In the event of violations, the vehicle photo is documented and there is a risk of a fine between 100 and 350 euros. Allowed vehicles such as those of the residents, workers or hotel guests can enter the ZTL by permits.

international approaches to traffic reduction

Different international models show that there is another way: from 2023, the Netherlands will be introduced in around 30 cities emission -free delivery zones. This measure aims to reduce exhaust gas pollution from diesel transporters and increase the proportion of electrical transporters and cargo bikes. In addition, cities such as Groningen and Ghent have successfully introduced concepts to reduce vehicle drafts, which in Ghent led to a reduction in car traffic by 17 percent and an increase in bicycle traffic by 50 percent.

In Spain, the concept of "super blocks", which prevents motor vehicle drafts, has gained importance. Car freedom in Pontevedra has shown since 1999 that such measures can work without traffic lights and soil markings. Local residents and delivery traffic are slowly to run there.

climate protection through traffic reform

A comprehensive goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the traffic sector, as is explained in detail in the final report of the Federal Environment Agency. By 2030, emissions are to be reduced to 85 million tons of CO2 equivalents. However, it is pointed out that the defined goals in the Federal Climate Protection Act may not be available if no immediate climate protection measures are implemented. These include, among other things, the electrification of the vehicle stock and the expansion of local public transport.

The discussion about the reduction in emissions shows that in addition to automation of access management, a reform of the motor vehicle tax and CO2 prices are also required. A trend reversal would be conceivable by the end of the 2020s, provided that suitable measures will be taken in good time to cope with the environmental challenges in the transport sector.