Alter current financial framework!
In Berlin, the uncollected fines for traffic offenses are a significant source of revenue that could contribute to increasing the city's income. With an estimated 12 million euros in uncollected fines for 2024, these funds could potentially be redirected to support community projects like those at the Sonntags-Club.
The Sonntags-Club, the oldest queer institution in eastern Berlin, has three projects funded by the Senate, including psychosocial counseling and the LGBTIQ* housing advice Queerhome. However, one of these projects is at risk of being lost in the draft budget plan for 2026/27, which has been funded for over ten years.
To address this issue, a proposal has been made to establish a dedicated fund or grant program sourced from the pool of fines collected or outstanding fines that are eventually paid or auctioned. This fund could be used to support social or community initiatives, such as those run by the Sonntags-Club.
The process would involve legal adjustments to earmark part of these fine revenues specifically for community use, with transparent oversight. Collaboration between the city government and community organizations like the Sonntags-Club would be crucial in identifying projects that align with social benefits, such as LGBTQ+ youth support services, cultural events, or outreach programs.
While there is no direct Berlin-specific case or framework for redirecting uncollected traffic fines, the general model suggests that such a mechanism would require legal and administrative frameworks, as well as policy decisions within the city administration or transport authority.
Community projects like those at the Sonntags-Club, which focus on social and cultural support, could apply for such funds or partner with city programs dedicated to social welfare and community enrichment.
It's important to note that the unenforced traffic fines are due to staff shortages in the responsible authorities. However, if a formal governmental or municipal policy change is implemented, these funds could provide much-needed support for marginalized community efforts without raising new taxes.
Other community projects in Berlin that could benefit from this funding include the "BerTa" project in Buch and Casa e.V. in Spandau, which offer counseling for migrant women. The potential impact of redirecting uncollected fines for community projects is significant and could help alleviate financial issues in Berlin, providing more stability and autonomy for projects.
References: [1] Ohio Clerk of Courts - Fine Collections and Disbursements (https://www.ohiojudicial.gov/resources/clerk-of-courts/fine-collections-and-disbursements/) [5] City of Columbus, Ohio - Fine and Fee Reform (https://www.columbus.gov/finance/administration/financial-management/fine-and-fee-reform)
- The revenue generated from uncollected fines for traffic offenses in Berlin could potentially be channeled into a dedicated fund, which could support various community projects, such as those run by the Sonntags-Club.
- In order to provide financial support to community initiatives, a policy change could be implemented, where a portion of the fine revenues from traffic offenses is earmarked for community use, subject to legal adjustments and transparent oversight.
- By directing the uncollected fines for traffic offenses towards funding community projects, like BerTa in Buch and Casa e.V. in Spandau, the city could help alleviate financial issues for these projects, thereby promoting social and cultural support within the community.
