Retractable bollards in Wildeshausen: traffic calming causes controversy!

Retractable bollards in Wildeshausen: traffic calming causes controversy!

Exciting changes are coming to Wildeshausen: The city council is discussing the installation of retractable bollards to calm traffic in the city center. As nwzonline.de reports, the SPD parliamentary group has submitted a motion that specifically affects Westerstrasse between Heiligenstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse. The bollards should be used flexibly: They could be raised during the weekly market, at special events or after 7 p.m. to offer pedestrians and residents more safety.

The administrative committee would like to gain experience in exchange with the city of Vechta, where similar bollards have already been installed. In Vechta, the bollards were installed at six locations for around 54,750 euros, supported by grants of around 357,000 euros from two funding programs. This positive development shows how important such measures are for the quality of stay in the pedestrian zone, even if there are technical and organizational challenges that have to be overcome.

Costs and concerns

However, head of the building department, Manfred Meyer, also raises concerns. The financial outlay for necessary earthworks could be considerable. A reliable cost breakdown for the bollards in Wildeshausen is still pending, as technical details must first be clarified. At the city council meeting, different opinions clashed - some members were skeptical about the bollards, while others emphasized the advantages of their introduction.

The administrative committee had already postponed a decision to install the bollards in the summer of 2023 indefinitely. The discussion about the bollards also raises the question of whether alternative approaches to traffic calming in Wildeshausen would make more sense. Measures such as one-way street regulations, flower pots in restricted areas or the expansion of cycling and walking also contribute to improving the traffic situation.

Sustainable bollard systems

An important aspect of retractable bollards is their sustainability. According to pollermax.com, these systems are characterized by high energy efficiency and improve the CO₂ balance. They are made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, which extends their lifespan and enables environmentally friendly disposal at the end of their life cycle. Their low noise level during operation is another advantage that does not disturb the living environment.

The bollards not only provide physical security, but also efficient traffic control that can be flexibly adjusted. They are suitable for both urban and private applications, such as securing parking spaces. The possibilities are diverse and it will be exciting to see how Wildeshausen will overcome this challenge.