Kai Wegner criticizes bollards and roadblocks in the capital and calls for a rethink in transport policy.
Anyone who drives a car in Berlin knows the game: new bollards appear, streets are closed and car-reduced neighborhood blocks cause discussions. For Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner, this development has now gone too far.
This polling should be stopped
In the new Royal GS podcast episode, Wegner found clear words about transport policy in some Berlin districts. It is clear to him that livable neighborhoods and safe streets are important. But he thinks the ever-increasing number of bollards is the wrong way. This would particularly slow down tradesmen, delivery services as well as the fire brigade and police.
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His criticism was direct: “I also say very clearly, I am very clear
“The concept is that this polling will end in this city.” In his view, the idea of making entire streets unattractive to drivers with barriers does not solve any problems – but creates new ones.
Even Wegner suddenly found himself in front of bollards
Wegner even reported on his own experiences. He, too, had driven through Berlin several times and suddenly found himself standing in front of newly erected bollards. For him, this is a sign that some measures have now gone too far. Or no further because there is a bollard there.
Berlin will never be a car-friendly city
But Wegner also made it clear that he was not calling for a return to the classic car-friendly city. Berlin will never be able to be that; the capital is too dense, too big and too complex for that. His approach is that all road users should have their place. So drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and people who travel by bus and train every day.
Dispute that divides the city
Hardly any other topic is discussed in Berlin as emotionally as the question of who owns public space. Proponents of neighborhood blocks point to greater safety, less traffic and a higher quality of life. Critics, however, see this as a restriction on mobility and disadvantages for residents and companies.
The discussion about bollards, neighborhood blocks and car traffic is likely to gain momentum in the coming months and play an important role in the next Berlin election campaign.
