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

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

Hamburg is dominated by an exciting political issue that affects not only drivers, but also cyclists and pedestrians. The topic of parking spaces is being discussed in a highly emotional manner, and the developments surrounding the new “Parking Master Plan” raise questions. Loud MOPO CDU leader Dennis Thering announced during the state election campaign: “We are fighting for every single parking space!” This fight for parking spaces also has political implications, especially after the elections, when the red-green Senate passed the master plan that wants to count all parking spaces in Hamburg - both public and private.

However, the implementation of this plan has far-reaching consequences, as well NDR reported. All transport projects that would eliminate parking spaces are currently on hold. This affects over 30 planned projects to renovate roads and build cycle paths, which will be significantly delayed. This is a thorn in the side of the left: MP Heike Sudmann criticized that this stop is hindering the traffic turnaround, while the Senate assures that work will continue on the projects, if necessary with adjustments to preserve parking spaces.

Conflict between drivers and cyclists

Particularly affected are 14 planned cycle routes and 18 road renovation projects, including the first school street on Rellinger Straße in Eimsbüttel. This is where the latest project is being put to the test to ensure that the number of parking spaces is not reduced. These measures come at a time when there are many construction sites in Hamburg, but fewer than originally planned. Particularly striking: 19 projects were postponed until the end of this year or even 2026.

In the coalition agreement between the SPD and the Greens, there is a clear focus on preserving parking spaces, which is... taz is documented. This weighting could endanger new construction projects for cycle paths. While cycling is only covered in two paragraphs in the contract, the regulations on parking spaces take up much more space. The goal of avoiding the reduction of parking spaces in heavily frequented parts of the city and, if necessary, creating new parking spaces does not exactly suit many cyclists.

It is currently unclear when the master plan will finally be available and the moratorium on the removal of parking spaces will end. This could not happen until next year at the earliest. Until then, it remains to be seen how the transport transition in Hamburg will develop. 22% of Hamburg residents already use bicycles, and this number has increased by 28% since the Corona period. The city has set itself the ambitious goal of having 30% of all journeys made by bike by 2030.

The outlook for the coming months

In total, the city should build or renovate almost 300 kilometers of cycle paths by 2030. Although these initiatives theoretically promise progress, it remains to be noted that securing parking spaces and expanding cycle paths at the same time is a challenge. So far, however, those responsible for the SPD have no reason to worry about the planned cycle paths, even if parking spaces are lost, as they state - true to the motto: “We have a good hand!”

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