Parking war in Hamburg: Master plan lame over 30 projects!

Parking war in Hamburg: Master plan lame over 30 projects!

Hamburg is characterized by an exciting political issue that affects not only drivers, but also cyclists and pedestrians. The topic of parking spaces is discussed highly emotionally, and the development around the new "Master Plan Parking" raises questions. According to However, the implementation of this plan has reported far-reaching consequences, as well as ndr . All traffic projects in which parking spaces are lost are currently on hold. This affects over 30 planned projects for road renovation and construction of bike paths, which are therefore significantly delayed. This is a thorn in the side of the left: MP Heike Sudmann criticized that this stop hindered the turnaround in traffic while the Senate assures that the projects are being worked on, if necessary with adjustments to maintain parking spaces.

conflict between car and cyclists

The 14 planned cycling routes and 18 street renovation projects, including the first school road in Rellinger Strasse in Eimsbüttel, are particularly affected. Here the latest project is put to the test to ensure that the number of parking spaces is not reduced. These measures take place at a time when many construction sites exist in Hamburg, but less than originally planned. Particularly striking: 19 projects were postponed at the end of this year or even 2026.

In the coalition agreement between the SPD and the Greens, a clear focus is on the preservation of parking spaces, which is documented in the taz . This weighting could endanger the new construction projects for cycle paths. While it is only treated in two paragraphs for bicycle traffic in the contract, the regulations for parking spaces occupy a much larger space. The goal of avoiding the reduction of parking spaces in heavily frequented districts and, if necessary, also creating new parking spaces, does not exactly meet many cyclists.

Currently it is unclear when the master plan will be finally available and the moratorium for the reduction of parking spaces ends. This could be the case at the earliest next year. Until then, it remains to be seen how the traffic transition will develop in Hamburg. Because 22% of Hamburgers are already using the bike, and this number has risen by 28% since the Corona period. By 2030, the city has set itself the ambitious goal that 30% of all ways will be covered by bike.

The views of the coming months

Overall, the city is to rebuild or renovate almost 300 kilometers of cycle paths by 2030. Although these initiatives theoretically promise progress, it should be noted that the simultaneous securing of parking spaces and the expansion of cycle paths is a challenge. So far, according to the SPD, however, no reason for concern for the planned cycle paths, even if parking spaces should be omitted as they state - according to the motto: "We have a good hand!"

It remains exciting how the tricky location around parking spaces and quality of life will develop in Hamburg. What is certain is that many interests collide here - and that includes more than just the space for cars.