12.06.2025, 21:53

Die kritisierte Quellenangabe wurde gegen eine fachlich korrekte Quelle des Umweltamtes Baden-Württemberg ausgetauscht.


Neue Begründung:

1. 50 km/h is the legally defined standard speed limit in urban areasThe introduction of a 50 km/h limit in urban areas is based on a nationwide, well-tested traffic framework that balances safety, flow, and everyday practicality. Deviating from this rule without compelling factual reasons constitutes an unnecessary departure from the traffic standard.2. No clear evidence of environmental benefits from 30 km/hSeveralkm/h speed limitsSeveral studies, including those by the German EnvironmentEnvironmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt),of the state of Baden-Württemberg, show that areducing the speed limit to 30 km/h limit does not significantly reducelower nitrogen oxide or particulatefine matterparticle emissions, especially inwhen smoothlytraffic is flowing traffic.smoothly. On the contrary, more frequent braking and acceleration may evencan be counterproductive.3. Smooth traffic flow is not a luxury, but a necessityIn a time when mobility is an integral part of daily life, efficient traffic flow is essential for workers, families, delivery services, and emergency responders. Artificial slowing leads to more time loss, increased stress, and ultimately, a lower quality of life — not higher.4. Don’t underestimate the economic impactLocal businesses along Rheinallee and Kaiserstraße depend on accessibility — for customers, suppliers, and staff. Slowing traffic can lead to business decline, especially when parking spaces and driving comfort have already been reduced.5. Promote personal freedom and responsibility instead of restrictionsNot every street needs to be turned into a "traffic-calmed zone." Those who deem a 30 km/h limit necessary can rely on existing rules in residential areas or near schools — but Rheinallee is a major traffic artery, not a playground.6. 50 km/h does not automatically mean more noise — modern vehicles are quieter than everThe often-cited noise reduction argument for 30 km/h is not generally supported by evidence. According to the German Environment Agency, the noise level at 30 km/h is only marginally lower than at 50 km/h, particularly for modern cars — and only at constant speeds without braking or stop-and-go traffic. What really matters is traffic flow, not maximum speed.Moreover, in urban traffic, the main source of noise is not the engine but the tire rolling noise — which is nearly the same at 30 and 50 km/h.Residents often subjectively report less noise when traffic flows more smoothly — which is the case at 50 km/h.7. A 30 km/h limit creates an unreasonable burden on citizens — with higher fines and potentially existential consequencesThe 30 km/h restriction means that even minor speeding — by just a few kilometers per hour — can lead to significantly higher fines, penalty points, or even driving bans. Especially in cities with tight tolerance levels and automatic enforcement, everyday driving becomes a radar trap — for people just going about their normal routines.In Mainz, where it is known that the city administration generally favors expanding 30 km/h zones, there is a growing perception that citizens are being deliberately targeted for revenue.There are already two stationary speed cameras installed on Rheinallee. This raises the suspicion that the reintroduction of the 30 km/h limit may also be fiscally motivated — to generate additional income under the guise of health or safety.For many who rely on their driver's license — such as commuters, salespeople, tradespeople, or healthcare workers — a driving ban can be existentially threatening. Traffic policy must not endanger livelihoods, but be proportionate, fair, and transparent.