Fight for safety: Pantelitz wants 70 km/h for the whole town!

Fight for safety: Pantelitz wants 70 km/h for the whole town!

The discussion about a speed limit on the B105 in Pantelitz, an idyllic village in Western Pomerania-Rügen, is gaining momentum. The residents have come together and are fighting passionately for a speed limit of 70 km/h in the entire local area. Different speed regulations currently apply, with parts of the village allowed to drive at 100 km/h, while other areas already have a no-overtaking zone and a 70 speed zone. These inconsistent regulations not only cause confusion, but also cause concerns about road safety.

Under the motto “Noise protection – now”, the residents campaigned for greater safety on the streets. A critical point is the dangerous curve area at the entrance to the village, where overtaking is prohibited, followed by a 70 sign. “The speed limits are not just numbers, they are important for us residents,” emphasizes Mayor Fred Schulz-Weingarten. He sees the currently permitted 100 km/h as a real safety risk and is calling for uniform regulations for the entire town.

From the idea to implementation

The municipality has already taken the first steps and held discussions with the district's lower transport authority in order to achieve the set goals. The mayor explains that the aim is to reduce the speed to 70 km/h throughout the village. This unified solution could not only increase the safety of residents but also minimize noise levels.

The topic of speed limits is becoming more and more important in the public discussion, not just in Pantelitz. As [Federal Environment Agency] reports, general speed limits on motorways and a reduction in the maximum speed on out-of-town roads could help to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Research shows that a speed limit of 120 km/h on motorways would result in a 2.9% reduction in emissions, which in figures means around 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents annually.

Road safety

A speed limit could also contribute to road safety. A look at the [DUH] shows that, for example, when a speed limit was introduced on the A4 between Cologne and Aachen, there were demonstrably no fatal accidents, whereas previously the number of accidents was shockingly high. Similar positive effects were also observed in Brandenburg, where the number of accidents was halved after the introduction of a speed limit. These examples make it clear that speed limits are essential for implementing the Vision Zero that the federal government has in mind. A goal of ensuring that traffic accidents do not result in life-threatening injuries seems difficult to achieve without clear speed limits.

In summary, the fight by Pantelitz residents for a speed limit of 70 km/h not only shows the local needs, but also represents an important part of a larger puzzle that is linked to traffic safety and climate protection. The community has taken the first step, but it will now be crucial that those responsible listen to concerns and find solutions together. Time is of the essence because the safety of residents and the improvement of quality of life are at stake.