Halle slashes city-center speed limits to 30 km/h for safety
Halle (Saale) is lowering speed limits to 30 km/h along two major city-centre roads. The change affects Universitätsring and the entire Moritzburgring. Officials aim to boost pedestrian safety and ease traffic congestion in the busy area.
Three years ago, the city had rejected a 30 km/h zone here, citing no major traffic risks or sensitive sites. But revised national road rules now allow municipalities to set lower limits near pedestrian crossings more easily.
A 30 km/h restriction was already in place near a daycare on Moritzburgring. The new order extends this to the full length of Moritzburgring and all of Universitätsring. The city administration has issued the necessary traffic authority approval, though the exact date for new signs remains unconfirmed. Installation of the updated signage is expected within the coming weeks. Studies in other German cities show such zones can cut accidents by up to 46%, fatalities by 63%, and injuries by 72%. However, similar limits on main roads in Mainz led to sudden braking and risky lane changes.
The lower speed limit will cover key routes through Halle's downtown. Officials believe it will create a quieter, safer environment for pedestrians. The measure follows national rule changes giving cities more flexibility in setting speed restrictions.
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