Heidenheim Considers Ban on Through Traffic on Grabenstrasse After Monitoring Reveals High Volume
for decades, the issue of through traffic has plagued Grabenstrasse in Heidenheim, Germany. However, the city administration is now considering a trial run that could lead too a ban on motorized vehicles using the inner-city street between Brenzstrasse and August-Lösch-Strasse.
Traffic Monitoring reveals Extent of Unauthorized Use
The move comes after repeated instances of drivers using Grabenstrasse as an unauthorized shortcut. The problem was recently highlighted when the city installed a mobile speed monitoring system, or “Enforcement-Trailer,” in early March.
Over 1,000 Vehicles Recorded in a single Day
During a recent council meeting, Ralf Käpplinger, head of Urban growth, Surroundings and Surveying, cited a traffic count from November 7, 2024. The count revealed that 1,030 motorized vehicles traveled Grabenstrasse within a 24-hour period, along with 550 bicycles. The breakdown included 570 passenger cars, 320 buses and 140 delivery vehicles. Spokeswoman Maja Jochem noted it was difficult to determine how many vehicles were authorized to use the street during the traffic count.
Käpplinger stated that action was needed, arguing that the sheer volume of traffic was unacceptable. Previous attempts to curb through traffic using planters and lane narrowing have had limited success. The city is now considering a more thorough approach: a complete ban on through traffic,with exceptions only for residents and delivery vehicles during specific hours.
City Buses might potentially be Rerouted
The proposed ban would also affect city buses.Thay would need to take a detour. The city would need to consider establishing new bus stops on St.-Pöltener-Strasse, bahnhof-Strasse and Ploucquet-Strasse to replace the existing stops near the CDU office and the C&A store, according to Käpplinger.
Heidenheim Considers Radical Grabenstrasse Traffic Changes
Heidenheim,Germany – Heidenheim city council is contemplating a meaningful overhaul of traffic flow on Grabenstrasse,potentially restricting access to pedestrians only. The ambitious plan hinges on ensuring bus routes maintain thier schedules, with bus companies playing a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Grabenstrasse: From 20 km/h to Pedestrian Zone?
Currently, Grabenstrasse operates as a traffic-calmed zone with a speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour. Access is limited to buses, taxis, cyclists, delivery vehicles, and those using disabled parking spaces.However, the proposed changes could eliminate general vehicle traffic altogether.
Council Applauds Pedestrian-Amiable Vision
While specific details remain under wraps, the announcement of the plans was met with applause from numerous city council members. Mayor Michael Salomo expressed his support, stating, “It is always nice to see streets being taken over by pedestrians.”
Past Efforts to Ease Traffic on Grabenstrasse Fall Short
the idea of permanently calming traffic on Grabenstrasse is not new. In the late 1990s,a joint initiative by residents and business owners pursued this goal,but with limited success. Complaints about the inadequacy of existing measures have been frequent. In November 2020, Ralf Willuth, parliamentary group leader of the Free Voters in the Heidenheim City Council, stated that there would need to be consistent warnings issued to drivers or else, “the honest person is the fool.”
City Monitors Traffic Flow, Generating Revenue
Last year, the city of Heidenheim used a rented enforcement trailer to monitor traffic at various locations. Within eight weeks, this generated 246,000 euros in revenue. After deducting costs, the city’s earnings amounted to 225,000 euros.
Will teh traffic ban on Grabenstrasse impact bus routes in Heidenheim?
Heidenheim Traffic: Your Burning Questions Answered
This Q&A dives deeper into the proposed traffic changes on Grabenstrasse in Heidenheim, Germany, addressing common queries and providing context.
Q&A:
Q: Why is Heidenheim considering banning through traffic on Grabenstrasse?
A: As of excessive unauthorized use by vehicles. Traffic monitoring revealed over 1,000 motorized vehicles used the street daily, despite existing restrictions. This volume is deemed unacceptable by the city.
Q: What are the current restrictions on Grabenstrasse?
A: Grabenstrasse is currently a traffic-calmed zone with a 20 km/h speed limit. Access is limited to buses, taxis, cyclists, delivery vehicles, and those using disabled parking spaces.
Q: Who would be affected by the proposed ban?
A: All non-resident drivers and potentially city buses. Buses would need to reroute, and new bus stops would need to be established.
Q: What exemptions would be made to the ban?
A: Residents and delivery vehicles during specific hours are likely to be exempt.
Q: What about the city buses?
A: the city would need to establish new bus stops on St.-Pöltener-Strasse, bahnhof-Strasse and Ploucquet-Strasse to replace existing stops near the CDU office and the C&A store.
Q: How accomplished were previous attempts to reduce traffic?
A: Previous measures, such as planters and lane narrowing, had limited success in curbing through traffic.
Q: What kind of revenue has the city generated from traffic monitoring?
A: In just eight weeks, an enforcement trailer generated 246,000 euros in revenue, with earnings of 225,000 euros for the city after costs.
Q: How did city council members react to this proposal?
A: The announcement of the plans was met with applause from numerous city council members, with Mayor Michael Salomo expressing his support
Q: Is this a new idea, or have there been attempts to restrict traffic before?
A: The idea of permanently calming traffic on Grabenstrasse is not new. In the late 1990s, attempts were made but failed, and complaints about insufficient measures have been frequent.
Q: What happens to motorists who violate current or future rules?
A: The city has invested in traffic monitoring, with a mobile speed monitoring system (Enforcement-Trailer) installed, which is able to generate significant revenue from violations.
In Conclusion:
The future of Grabenstrasse hinges on balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and public transport. Stay tuned for further developments as the city council deliberates on these significant traffic changes.
