Berlin’s push to reduce cars in the city center advances

Berlin’s car-free city center plan moves closer to a public vote

Berlin's Parliament has rejected a proposal for a mostly car-free city center, allowing the citizens' initiative to proceed to a potential referendum. The initiative aims to improve road safety, reduce cars, and enhance air quality, with exemptions for certain circumstances.

The State Constitutional Court declared the initiative admissible, finding no infringement on general freedom of action. The initiative, if adopted, would require a public referendum. It allows twelve times a year for unlimited private trips within a 24-hour period, provided they are registered electronically. Exemptions are also granted for physical limitations with a doctor’s note and for bulky transports on twelve freely selectable days per year. Delivery traffic remains exempt to ensure the city remains supplied with goods.

Berlin has around 1.2 million cars, which could make the registration process for exemptions significant. The Greens, who initially supported the initiative’s goals, now express concerns about pushing traffic into outer districts and the need for better alternatives. Berlin already boasts Germany’s best public transport system, with subways often running every five minutes in the city center.

The initiative, if passed in a referendum, would significantly reshape Berlin's city center. It aims to improve safety, reduce cars, and enhance air quality, while providing exemptions for certain needs. The registration process for exemptions may be substantial, with around 1.2 million cars in the city. The Greens, while initially supportive, now voice concerns about potential impacts on outer districts and the need for better alternatives.