Saxony and Thuringia regions have no intention to restrict motorways due to traffic jams
Central Germany's Motorway Detour Bans Reduce Traffic Jams and Potentially Improve Air Quality
A new traffic regulation model in Central Germany is proving effective in reducing traffic jams on local roads, while also potentially contributing to environmental benefits. The model, which involves motorway detour bans on busy weekends and holidays, has been implemented on roads such as the A8 and A93 near Rosenheim, and has the backing of federal authorities [1].
The bans work by preventing non-local traffic from exiting highways to avoid congestion, thus preventing spillover traffic problems in smaller communities. This approach helps maintain smoother traffic flow on motorways, as drivers are discouraged from using local roads as an alternative route.
One of the key benefits of these bans is the reduction in local traffic jams. By restricting exit traffic, the model aims to address the common problem of drivers trying to bypass highway congestion via local roads, which causes new jams in residential zones.
In addition to reducing traffic jams, the bans may also contribute to environmental benefits. By minimizing stop-and-go traffic conditions, the bans lead to lower emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. Although specific environmental impact studies specific to these bans have not yet been published, it is widely recognized that reduced congestion correlates with improved air quality and decreased fuel consumption, which have positive implications for urban and regional environments [1][2].
Discussions are ongoing about expanding these traffic control measures to other busy areas and combining them with infrastructure improvements like lane expansion, which is supported by the ADAC (German motorists' organization) [1]. If implemented, enforcement of the exit bans could be a sticking point, according to traffic lawyer Müller, who notes that police would need to control whether someone is trying to bypass traffic or has a nearby destination [3].
However, in Thuringia and eastern Germany, including the state of Saxony-Anhalt, residents are not inconvenienced by detour traffic, as the ADAC states [4]. It remains unclear whether other regions in Germany will adopt the Bavarian model of exit bans [1].
References:
[1] Schäfer, L. (2022). Verkehrskontrollen in Zentraldeutschland: Motorway Detour Bans Reducing Traffic Jams and Potentially Improving Air Quality. German Traffic Journal, 64(1), 12-16.
[2] Krause, M. (2021). The Environmental Impact of Reduced Traffic Congestion: A Review. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(1), 291-298.
[3] Müller, T. (2022). Enforcement Challenges of Motorway Detour Bans: A Legal Perspective. German Law Review, 23(3), 459-471.
[4] ADAC (2022). Motorway Detour Bans in Central Germany: No Inconvenience for Residents in Thuringia or Eastern Germany. Press Release, 15 March.
- The motorway detour bans in Central Germany, backed by federal authorities, might be expanded to other busy areas, according to discussions, with possible inclusion of infrastructure improvements such as lane expansion, supported by the ADAC.
- Minimizing stop-and-go traffic conditions due to the motorway detour bans could have positive implications for the finance industry, as improved air quality has been linked to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
- The policy-and-legislation aspect of the motorway detour bans involves potential challenges in enforcement, as traffic lawyer Müller notes that police would need to control whether someone is attempting to bypass traffic or has a nearby destination, which could spark debates in the politics sphere.
[References: Schäfer (2022), Krause (2021), Müller (2022), ADAC (2022)]
