By Mary-Lou Künzel and Johannes Malinowski
Rising energy prices are also forcing politicians to think about savings. Drivers could be affected.
Red, Yellow, Green, Off! According to State Secretary for Economic Affairs Tino Schopf (47, SPD), Berlin’s traffic lights could be switched off at night. Since Thursday, a working group with representatives from all Senate departments has been discussing which measures the state can use to save energy.
Eva (28) from Friedrichshain: “A good idea, but it could be more difficult for pedestrians and cyclists. They are the weaker in traffic and could easily go under with traffic lights off” Photo: Ufuk Ucta
The experts are also discussing whether street lighting can be reduced, Schopf told Inforadio. Safety comes first. The group plans to present the results in August.
According to a spokeswoman for the traffic administration, investigations have shown that the probability of an accident is “significantly increased” by switching off a traffic light system.
“Just as one has to save energy at home and in business, the public service must also deal with the issue,” said a spokesman for the economic administration.
Petra Springer (55) from Strausberg: “I like the idea. It’s about time not only to talk, but also to do something. If we all drive carefully, it can also work in a city like Berlin.” Photo: Ufuk Ucta
More than 2100 traffic lights regulate traffic in the capital. About 30 percent of these are already switched off at night.
The nocturnal traffic light off plan has met with a positive response. “All possibilities for saving energy must be examined, and we agree,” says Edgar Terlinden, transport policy spokesman for the ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg.
Leonard (21) from Friedrichshain: “That sounds like a good plan. I can’t imagine it being much more dangerous.” Photo: Ufuk Ucta
Approval also from the opposition. “Especially in residential streets, traffic lights can be switched off from 10 p.m.,” says CDU traffic expert Oliver Friederici (52). Felix Reifschneider (44, FDP): “If that works well, you could consider turning off the traffic lights permanently at night.”
The Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey (44, SPD) recently suggested that public buildings such as the Red City Hall or the Brandenburg Gate should no longer be illuminated after midnight in order to save electricity.