Senate Delays Vote Until 30th Meeting

In a recent Senate meeting, Transport Senator Ute Bonde (CDU) announced a new plan for air purification, which includes the potential lifting of up to 25 30 km/h zones on main roads. However, the Berlin Senate has since postponed a decision about this matter until September 2nd.

The proposed plan aims to lift speed limits that were introduced a few years ago due to poor air quality, as the air has improved. According to Bonde, the standard speed limit in settlements is 50 km/h.

The SPD faction, led by Tino Schopf, the SPD transport expert, has requested further consultation regarding the CDU-led transport administration's plans. Schopf, who is also a spokesperson for the Berlin police, emphasized that the changes aim to improve traffic flow while maintaining safety.

The SPD faction is particularly concerned about the potential impact on school routes and air quality. They have raised questions about the CDU-led transport administration's lack of information regarding checks on high-traffic school routes on streets where the 30 km/h limit is currently in place for air quality purposes.

According to research by Tagesspiegel, Bonde is planning to keep the 30 km/h speed limit on only two roads for reasons of traffic safety. If high-traffic school routes are present on such streets, the speed limit could remain, even if it's no longer needed for clean air.

The CDU-led transport administration has not adequately answered these detailed questions from the SPD faction. This has led to the rescheduling of the Senate meeting to September 2nd, giving both parties more time to discuss and address these concerns.

The Berlin Senate, a coalition of parties known as the black-red coalition, will make the final decision about the abolition of certain 30 km/h zones on main roads on this date. The discussion was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but has been rescheduled due to the need for further consultation.

Tino Schopf has emphasized the importance of ensuring that any changes to speed limits do not compromise safety, especially on school routes. The CDU-led transport administration is expected to provide more information and answers to the SPD faction's questions before the Senate meeting on September 2nd.