A unique experiment to eliminate parking spaces for at least three months will begin in a southern Berlin neighborhood this summer. The move is an attempt to free up space that is usually reserved for cars for other purposes. This innovative project aims to test whether public space can be used more efficiently without being reserved exclusively for parked cars.
According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, cities account for about 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The recommended changes include ending the city’s dependence on cars by building neighborhoods that meet the basic needs of residents within walking distance, connected by affordable public transportation.
Berlin, known for its excellent public transportation, safe cycling, and walkability, is trying to adapt to this model. However, the number of cars in the city has increased in recent years, while other major European cities have seen a decline. Therefore, Berlin plans to try to eliminate parking spaces in the Grafekies district south of the city center. Residents who own cars in the area can park them in a nearby garage for 30 euros a month, although there are concerns that the garage, which has fewer than 700 spaces, may not have enough spaces. The Green Party, which is supporting the trial, hopes that Berliners will be encouraged to recycle their cars.
According to a poll conducted by the Berlin Center for Social Research, about two-thirds of Grafekiese residents support the experiment. However, a local businessman found that his neighbors and customers were mostly opposed. There is a lack of clarity about how the experiment will work, including the number of streets to be included and how parking spaces will be used. The city council has not yet disclosed the details.
The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which opposes the parking space trial, won a majority of the vote in the elections, but the current ruling coalition of the Social Democrats, Greens and the socialist Left Party still holds a majority of seats in the state parliament. The question of how to deal with cars in Berlin may prove controversial, as traffic is a significant source of emissions and there is an objective need for change. However, reducing traffic is a complex and potentially conflicting task that the new federal coalition will have to tackle.
