The Munich Administrative Court has ordered a return to a speed limit of 30 km/h on a section of the Middle Ring due to environmental concerns after the city had recently reverted to 50 km/h.
The city of Munich has been ordered by the Administrative Court to reinstate a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour on a stretch of the Middle Ring, following a legal challenge that deemed the city's previous decision to increase the limit to 50 km/h as unlawful. This speed limit had been previously implemented in June 2024 to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution and curb health hazards associated with diesel emissions from vehicles classified as Euro 5. The court's decision reflects ongoing tensions between environmental policies and urban traffic regulations.
In January, Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter announced plans to return to the higher speed limit of 50 km/h. However, this move faced immediate backlash from environmental groups and affected residents. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) filed an urgent lawsuit against the city's resolution, arguing that the increased speed limit would worsen air quality, which contradicts the city's previous commitments to environmental health and safety. Additionally, two private residents from the Landshuter Allee joined the legal challenge based on similar concerns.
This ruling emphasizes the crucial balance that urban authorities must maintain between facilitating traffic flow and adhering to environmental protection standards. With rising public concern over air quality and health implications, the reinstatement of the lower speed limit is likely to reignite discussions around sustainable urban planning and the effectiveness of current traffic policies in Munich.
