By Hildburg Bruns and Julian Loevenich
Traffic Senator Bettina Jarasch gives in to the judgment of the administrative court. From November 23 at the latest, cars will be allowed to roll here again
Now traffic senator Bettina Jarasch (53, Greens) has to make the traffic turnaround on Friedrichstrasse!
The strange greenhouses, the tubs with the alibi trees, the prohibition signs, the red and white barriers. This green dream is over!
In two weeks, the asphalt of the important east-west road must be open to traffic again – by November 23 at the latest! Free travel on Friedrichstrasse!
Green politician Jarasch admits defeat, at least for a short time, and does not lodge a complaint against the administrative court’s decision. The judges had accused their administration of an illegal closure since the end of the traffic attempt (500-meter closure from Leipziger to Französische Straße) a year ago – in October 2021.
Anna Burina (23), student from Mitte: “I have enjoyed sitting outside for the past few months. When there are a lot of cars driving again, it’s immediately less relaxed.” Photo: Sven Meissner
According to the court, a further blockage would have required a concrete risk situation – a better quality of stay is not enough.
Jarasch probably feared that the next instance – the Higher Administrative Court – would make the same decision. After all, there is an election in February, so a double gossip is bad. However, the senator did not provide an official reason.
Celik Mustafa (56), seller from Schöneberg: “I think the abolition of the bicycle street is a good thing. Normal traffic is better for business – especially in the approaching Christmas season” Photo: Sven Meissner
“The senator obviously recognizes that the law on Friedrichstrasse was disregarded for a year,” says retail association boss Nils Busch-Petersen (59) and presents an open bill: “Who will pay for the damage caused to merchants?” After all 20 transactions have been entered into.
Wine merchant Anja Schröder (45) had complained about the excessively long blocking: “The chances of winning in the second instance were minimal for the Senate,” says the businesswoman.
Jarasch does not deviate a millimeter from her course towards the car-free pedestrian zone, despite the short-term release for cars. By the end of the year, the Mitte district is to finally dedicate the route to car traffic!
Kristiena G. (68) from Marienfelde: “Friedrichstrasse as a bicycle street was like Copenhagen. I think it’s stupid that this is now being changed.” Photo: Sven Meissner
The officials are working flat out on it, so far there has always been talk of execution in the spring. “In cooperation with the green district office in Mitte, she creates facts,” criticizes FDP parliamentary group leader Sebastian Czaja (39).
However, the trade association, hotel and restaurant association (Dehoga) and residents have already lodged an objection to this permanent closure. And wine dealer Schröder would sue again.