Green Light for Kiezblocks in Reuterkiez, Berlin
Neighborhood blocks in the Reuterkiez are legally sanctioned by the court. - Street obstruction approved in Reuterkiez district
Ever wondered about those traffic barriers, famously known as Kiezblocks, popping up in some Berlin neighborhoods? Well, it seems they've got the legal thumbs-up! According to the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg, following a swift decision, traffic-related measures including Kiezblocks are indeed a go.
Initiated by the Neukölln district office back in November 2023, the move aimed to limit traffic and reduce accidents in the Reuterkiez area. One-way streets, through-traffic bans, and Kiezblocks were set up to make streets more pedestrian-friendly. Despite legal challenges brought forth by residents and non-Reuterkiez commuters, the administrative court ruled in favor of the district office. Now, the Higher Administrative Court's decision stands, settling the matter.
The Kiezblock controversy has been brewing in Berlin for quite some time. Aside from Reuterkiez, these traffic barriers have been installed in other districts, sparking ongoing debate. Recently, the Berlin Senate halted subsidies for a Kiezblock model project in the Mitte district due to unaddressed concerns for residents, emergency services, economic and delivery traffic, and public transportation.
- Berlin
- Neukölln
- Traffic Calming
Background:
With the red-red-green government coalition committing to Kiezblocks in their coalition agreement[1], Berlin's political landscape has taken a turn towards sustainable urban development and community-oriented street planning. To get a comprehensive overview of the current regulations and the legal landscape for Kiezblocks in Berlin, we recommend looking into relevant city planning documents or legal resources directly related to decisions made by Berlin's administrative court. 2-> Berlin Strategy for Biological Diversity 2030+.
The Commission, in Berlin, has been tasked to propose a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the industry, finance, and transportation sectors, given the court's ruling on Kiezblocks favors community-oriented street planning. The Berlin Senate, while supporting Kiezblocks in principle, has halted subsidies due to concerns about their impact on residents, emergency services, economic and delivery traffic, and public transportation, showcasing a complex interplay between urban development and safety measures in Berlin.
