In order to avoid driving bans, Mayor Dieter Reiter and the SPD now want to examine whether a speed limit on Landshuter Allee could also improve air quality.
Munich - The debate about diesel driving bans continues to gain momentum. Mayor Dieter Reiter and his SPD now want to examine whether a speed limit on Landshuter Allee would be enough to improve air quality. This would allow the city to avoid further driving bans. “I think this is a proposal worth considering because the measure can be implemented quickly, requires little effort, is, above all, easy to control and is also proportionate,” said Reiter on Wednesday. The city council is expected to make a decision on April 24th.
Diesel driving ban in Munich: The city does not comply with EU limits, especially on Landshuter Allee
Because Munich still does not comply with the EU limit values for nitrogen oxide, the city was sentenced by the Administrative Court to take further measures in addition to the existing driving ban for Euro 4 diesel on and within the Middle Ring. The question remains how this happens. Until now there were only two options.
The EU limit values for nitrogen oxide (a maximum of 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air are permitted) are not met, especially on Landshuter Allee (between Georg-Brauchle-Ring and the junction with the A96). In addition, there are exceedances at the recently set up measuring point on Moosacher Straße. Mayor Reiter had already decided before the court ruling that if the city were to impose further driving bans, he would at most close the affected routes. “Since the limit values are only exceeded in two places, I do not consider it proportionate to exclude all Diesel 5 vehicles from the entire low emission zone.”
Air values in Munich: Environmental consultant Christine Kugler is pushing for a zonal driving ban for diesel Euro 5
According to environmental officer Christine Kugler (independent), this option poses problems. On the one hand, well over 300 signs would have to be re-erected, and on the other hand, there would probably not be many exception rules that could apply on the sections. These exist, for example, for the existing ban zone for Euro 4 diesel for residents or tradesmen. Another argument against the OB request is time. For a route-related driving ban, further procedures would have to be carried out, such as public participation. According to Kugler, there would be no rapid implementation before the fall of this year, which the court had insisted on.
In 2022, the city council decided on a step-by-step plan to comply with the EU limit values for nitrogen oxide in Munich. The first stage was ignited in February 2023. Since then, all Euro 4 diesels are no longer allowed to drive on or within the Middle Ring (environmental zone). There are exceptions for tradespeople, social services and residents. The original plan was to introduce the next stage from October 2023, after which Euro 5 diesel would also be banned from the low-emission zone. However, due to favorable air quality forecasts, the city council suspended this level. Environmental officer Kugler now wants to detonate it after the court ruling. Because the plans for the second stage are already in the drawer, implementation could take place promptly.
Diesel driving ban in Munich: Both variants would probably result in alternative traffic in residential areas
The court had urged quick action. There would also be the possibility of creating exceptions again, for residents, delivery traffic, etc. The problem with the variant: In Munich, 7,654 trucks and 43,448 cars would currently be affected by the ban because the measured values are not being adhered to in two places.
In both variants - route-related and zonal - the administration expects drivers to avoid the prohibited zones. This would not only result in alternative traffic. The air could then become worse again at other measuring points.
Diesel driving ban in Munich: Mayor Dieter Reiter and the SPD parliamentary group now want to have a speed limit checked as an alternative
It is undisputed that the air on Landshuter Allee needs to get better. The environmental department should now also examine the SPD's wishes to see whether it could be improved by a 30 km/h limit. The advantage would be that this measure could be implemented quickly and with just a few new signs, according to a press release from the comrades. In addition, speed restrictions are easier to control - with stationary flash units, which are already available. If vehicles drove more slowly over the Mittlerer Ring on Landshuter Allee, residents would benefit from fewer pollutants in the air and at the same time from better noise protection. In addition, it is a simple regulation that is binding and clearly understandable for everyone.
SPD leader Anne Hübner: “We are very confident that 30 km/h can solve several problems at this point. On the one hand, the necessary compliance with pollutant limits would be possible, but on the other hand, it would also provide relief for residents along Landshuter Allee. In addition, all road users make a contribution to healthier air and less noise.”