Noise reduction: extension of 30 km/h speed zones under consideration

The Senate is currently examining the extension of 30 km/h speed limits on Berlin's main roads with the aim of reducing noise.

This was reported by the "Tagesspiegel" (Friday) with reference to information from the traffic administration. According to the report, a new 30 km/h speed limit concept is to be developed for the main roads at night. In a second step, it is planned to impose more all-day speed limits of 30 kilometres per hour.

Strong noise reduction through lower speed limits

Reducing the speed limit from 50 to 30 kilometres per hour reduces road noise as much as if there were about 40 to 50 per cent fewer vehicles on the road, transport administration spokesman Jan Thomsen told the newspaper. "This makes a speed reduction an effective measure to reduce motor vehicle noise even on main roads." The goal of expanding speed 30 zones is anchored in the coalition agreement of the SPD, the Greens and the Left. However, it is not legally possible to introduce 30 km/h speed limits throughout Germany.