New bollard proposal: Ottensen becomes a traffic-calmed zone!

New bollard proposal: Ottensen becomes a traffic-calmed zone!

An exciting transport transition is underway in the Ottensen district of Hamburg. The current proposal to enter the newly created exclusion zone is causing discussion among residents and politicians. A lot could change, especially with the implementation of the “Freiraum Ottensen” project. The plan calls for installing retractable steel bollards at the entrance to Bahrenfelder Straße and Ottenser Hauptstraße. Loud NDR These bollards are intended to make the streets a traffic-calmed zone.

How is the whole thing actually implemented? The bollards should be lowered at certain times, namely from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you really want to go into the exclusion zone, you need a verifiable reason. This could be, for example, a doctor's appointment or a visit from relatives. On weekends, entry is only permitted from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. However, registered residents, severely disabled people or market suppliers can also enter outside these times; the vehicle license plates are recorded for this purpose.

Changes for delivery traffic

There are also some innovations, particularly for delivery traffic: the permitted access times are being extended. Surprisingly, but usefully, delivery vehicles are allowed to enter Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on weekends from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Local public transport remains unhindered in the exclusion zone; Emergency vehicles such as ambulances are also allowed in at any time. However, if you leave the bulky zone, you won't see any bollards in the way.

These considerations are part of the comprehensive “FreiRaum Ottensen” project, which was decided by the Altona district assembly on May 25, 2022. The concept aims, among other things, to limit vehicle traffic in parts of Bahrenfelder Straße and Ottenser Hauptstraße hamburg.de reported. In addition, parking space will probably be eliminated in these areas, which should also increase the quality of stay.

Positive effects of a car-poor neighborhood

Especially in times when local mobility is very popular, this approach could create a completely new quality of life in Ottensen. The experiences from the corona pandemic show that many people have learned to appreciate walking and cycling. Less traffic will then provide more space to live in many corners of the city, according to the website future-sustainable-mobility.de emphasized. In order to promote the switch from private cars to sustainable mobility offers, concrete measures like those in Ottensen are needed!

The Altona main committee will decide on the proposal for the bollards on Thursday. The traffic trial for a district in Ottensen with few cars is scheduled to start in 2025. It remains to be seen when exactly the bollards will be used for the first time and whether residents will be enthusiastic about the changes. The fact is: the path to a better quality of life could be waiting for us a few house numbers further up!