The Greens want to take the next step in the event of a possible government participation in the traffic turnaround.
The long-time party chairman Cem Özdemir made this clear to Merkur.de.
Berlin / Munich - The Greens want to significantly tighten the speed limit in the event of a possible government participation after the federal elections.
The Green politician Cem Özdemir announced in the run-up to the IAA Mobility (September
7-12
) in Munich to
Merkur.de
.
Merkur.de
spoke with the long-time party chairman about the introduction of Tempo 30 in Paris *, the plans for German cities and highways and the resistance of the CSU and SPD.
Mr Özdemir, apart from a few streets, the speed limit in Paris has been 30 since Monday. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expects less accidents and noise. Wouldn't that also be a model for German cities?
Overall, I find it very impressive how Anne Hidalgo is promoting modern mobility policy in one of Europe's metropolises. It shows that the traffic turnaround stands for modernization, more climate protection and a better quality of life that benefits everyone. In Germany, on the other hand, there are SPD politicians in Ms. Giffey who think that this is not possible in big cities. My impression is, however, that the local people in the municipalities have made progress across the board. Local politics is no longer about a woodcut car versus bicycle versus pedestrian. Most motorists also go on foot or ride their bike. In more and more cities, it is a matter of dividing the limited traffic space as profitably as possible for everyone and providing modern mobility options.In view of climate protection and the redensification of our cities, we can no longer afford traffic-political trenches for a long time. The currency for decision-makers on site means fewer traffic jams, fewer accidents and, above all, more attractive city centers. Tempo 30 also helps.
But there are strict legal hurdles. In Germany, municipalities can generally only issue Tempo 30 in a dangerous situation, for example in the area of kindergartens or schools or in residential areas?
Exactly and that's absurd.
I don't want something to have to happen before Tempo 30 can be set up.
That is a vote of no confidence by the CSU Transport Minister against the local people.
They know better what their city needs.
Our suggestion is to just turn it around and give them a real choice.
The speed limit is 30 and wherever the road is wide enough, safe enough, those responsible can set the speed at 50.
That would be a real enabling policy instead of a CSU ban policy.
But there are a few disadvantages. At 30 km / h, CO2 emissions are higher than at 50 km / h. Do you accept that?
Anyone who dares to experiment and drives 30 km / h in first gear might even be able to confirm that.
But seriously: CO2 emissions depend on various factors, for example traffic lights, acceleration or the vehicle model.
So the calculation is not that simple.
When it comes to road safety, the advantage of Tempo 30 is undisputed, our goal is fewer deaths and injuries and more space for everything that is emission-free.
There, where the road and the local traffic situation permit, nothing speaks against Tempo 50. It's about simplification and real freedom of choice.
So should the federal government enact Tempo-30 nationwide?
We want to strengthen those responsible on site. They know best what is going on for you and what is not. Much better than a CSU Federal Minister of Transport. The focus is on road safety: braking distances are shortened at 30 km / h, which reduces accidents and, in the event of a collision, the severity of the impact. That can save life and health. We therefore want to reverse the rule-exception relationship so that something does not always have to happen before action can be taken. Tempo 30 applies and wherever it is possible, the municipalities decide on Tempo 50. The fact that the Minister of Transport is blocking this shows me that the CSU would rather slow down the municipalities based on old ideology. Apparently they are afraid that quality of life and progress will prevail in the end. But will they be one way or another.
In addition to 30 km / h, the question of a possible speed limit on motorways is also causing controversy. How do you feel about a general speed limit of 130 km / h on German autobahns?
Here, too, I urgently advise you to put the ideological arguments aside for a moment and consider the advantages and disadvantages very matter-of-factly.
There is now a majority in society in favor of a speed limit of 130, because it means more road safety, i.e. fewer deaths and injuries, and because it helps to protect the climate.
A speed limit of 130 would save almost 2 million tons of CO2 annually, which is roughly the same as all domestic German air traffic.
And that at almost no cost.
At the same time, it also helps to promote innovations such as autonomous driving, and a limit also helps for this.
Should the Greens belong to the next federal government after the general election, would you put the two speed limits for the city and the highways on the agenda?
Naturally.
* Merkur.de is part of IPPEN.MEDIA.