Saxony not planning longer green phases at pedestrian crossings - Green Party Proposes Slower Pedestrian Speed for Crossings in Saxony-Anhalt
Green Party politician Cornelia Lüddemann has reignited the debate over pedestrian signal timings in Saxony-Anhalt. She proposes reducing the standard walking speed assumption from 1.2 to 1 meter per second. However, concerns about traffic safety and waiting times have been raised.
Lüddemann's suggestion aims to accommodate slower pedestrians, particularly the elderly. SPD interior policy expert Rüdiger Erben supports this, stating the current assumption is too fast for many elderly pedestrians. However, a blanket extension of pedestrian green phases could reduce traffic safety and increase overall waiting times, according to the Transport Ministry in Magdeburg.
To address this, camera systems are being tested to detect pedestrians and extend green phases accordingly. Yet, practical and legal questions remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Saxony has no plans to generally extend green-light phases for pedestrians at crosswalks. The ministry in Magdeburg also reports no current plans for universal extensions, but case-by-case adjustments are possible.
The debate over longer pedestrian green phases continues in Saxony-Anhalt. While some argue for changes to accommodate slower pedestrians, others express concerns about traffic safety and waiting times. Saxony-Anhalt’s Senior Citizens’ Council plans to advocate for statewide changes, keeping the issue in the spotlight.
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