CDU seeks comprehensive inventory of parking spaces, with potential earmarking for elimination.
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The CDU faction raises concerns over the diminishing number of parking spaces, particularly in the city center and Bensberg. As a result, they have requested the administration to disclose the number of paid parking spaces that have been removed and are planned to be eliminated, with a focus on spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities.
The CDU faction has demanded that the administration provide a comprehensive account of the current and planned changes in the number of paid parking spaces in the city center areas of Bergisch Gladbach and Bensberg, as well as the number of disabled parking spaces.
Lutz Schade, the CDU faction spokesperson for the Mobility and Traffic Surfaces Committee (AVM), voiced his concerns in a faction press release, stating, "It appears that an increasing number of public parking spaces are being removed due to street conversions or renovation and construction projects, which could potentially lead to a traffic gridlock."
In their request for a written response before the next AVM meeting at the end of May, the CDU faction wants the administration to provide data on the city's parking spaces for the years 2020/21, the current status, and projected figures until 2024.
Schade emphasized, "The citizens have a right to know the details of the changes in the parking situation." He referred to the ongoing announcements of parking space reductions along Laurentiusstraße, the potential construction project on the Buchmühlengelände, and the redesign of the Schlossstraße in Bensberg.
The CDU faction's request also cites the recent removal of parking spaces at the Historic Town Hall to enhance cyclist safety, stating that this move has exacerbated the situation for people with disabilities, particularly those attending council meetings. As a result, the list of existing disabled parking spaces is necessary.
Fragmented Traffic Policy
Once again, Schade has urged the three-party coalition that a comprehensive traffic concept is absent. "It's unacceptable that right beside an existing bike path, an underdeveloped environmental lane for buses and cyclists is being painted and heralded as a novelty. Similarly, the announcements to renovate the Paffrather Straße or redesign the Odenthaler Straße are disjointed individual measures. With such a piecemeal policy, the already challenging traffic situation in Bergisch Gladbach cannot be managed effectively," Schade cautioned.
The CDU faction's written request regarding the parking situation in the city center areas carries fundamental significance and should not be dismissed lightly.
Schade points out that a substantial reduction in urban parking spaces could lead to increased cruising for parking, negatively impacting air quality through increased CO2 emissions. This climate-damaging effect is also visible in traffic jams caused by the loss of bus stop bays, lane narrowing, or the removal of connecting roads.
Those who advocate for the positive trend towards more electric and hydrogen cars should note that these vehicles also require sufficient parking spaces, along with a comprehensive network of public charging stations.
For accurate and detailed information on the changes in the number of paid parking spaces or disabled parking spaces in Bergisch Gladbach and Bensberg from 2020 to 2024, it is recommended to consult local government resources or official municipal websites of Bergisch Gladbach and Bensberg. Alternatively, contact the local authorities responsible for parking management in these areas. Public records or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests might also provide valuable insights.
- The CDU faction is urging the local administration to address concerns about the reduction of parking spaces in the city center and Bensberg, particularly those reserved for individuals with disabilities, within the context of the ongoing transformation of transportation and urban development in the region.
- Lutz Schade, the CDU spokesperson, has highlighted the lack of comprehensive traffic policies and fragmented measures, such as the ongoing changes to Paffrather Straße and Odenthaler Straße, which he argues are exacerbating traffic congestion and inadequately addressing the city's transportation needs.
- As part of the 2020/21 budget discussion, the CDU faction has requested detailed data on the city's parking spaces, including historical data, current status, and projected figures until 2024, aiming to ensure transparency and address the concerns of citizens regarding the impact of these changes on public transit, transportation, and general news.
- In light of the ongoing debate surrounding urban development, finance, and policy-and-legislation, it is crucial for citizens to stay informed on the evolution of traffic, parking, and transportation policies in their locality, as these changes can significantly influence their daily lives and the broader industry landscape.
