Germany: The big car debate

With the exception of the UK, German respondents would like to see fully pedestrianised town centres more than any other country surveyed. Conversely, 43% also want no restrictions on car access, which shows a real divide in opinions. Breaking down responses further shows that older generations were more in favour of pedestrianisation than younger generations.

This divide is emphasised by the fact that, other than those from the Netherlands, respondents from Germany were the least concerned about the amount of traffic in towns and city centres – only 36% are very concerned. Town and city leaders in Germany could therefore face rival opinions if pedestrianisation is considered as an option to decrease pollution and increase sustainability.

In a nod to investment in town and city centre facilities, Germany appeared to be doing better than other countries when it comes to disabled access.

More than half (55%) agree that their nearest town and city centres are lacking in sufficient accessibility options. An additional 45% of respondents who indicated that there is still work to be done.

In 2018 Berlin issued a Mobility Act, which aids cyclists in a number of ways including redesigning dangerous junctions. The Act also set targets for sustainable transport adoption and key measures include requirements for extra space for bicycles in new rail vehicles, linking consents for new property development to public transport provision and trialling of flexible transport options in places which are less busy or at times when demand is lower.

Then in early 2022 Berlin passed an amendment to the Mobility Act to elevate the status of pedestrians and to also make travel easier for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. New provisions in the amendment include longer green lights for pedestrians crossing, lower curbs to help wheelchair users and a tougher approach to illegal parking or reckless driving.