The controversial topic of “speed limits” is discussed publicly almost exclusively with reference to motorways. Speed limits in urban areas, on the other hand, remain under the radar, although they have strong advocates, especially among municipalities. Founded in July 2021 by the seven cities of Aachen, Augsburg, Freiburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Münster and Ulm “Livable cities through appropriate speeds” initiative has now grown to over 850 members. In addition to smaller and medium-sized municipalities, several large cities such as Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Cologne, Saarbrücken and Freiburg have also joined the initiative since it was founded. The mayors are calling on the federal government to create a legal framework for the large-scale use of 30 km/h zones. According to the initiative, the performance of transport would not be restricted by a large-scale introduction, but the quality of life for residents would be noticeably improved. According to the plans, speeds of 50 km/h will remain possible on some main roads.
(As of July 2023)