Diagonal lock on Grandweg: Traffic significantly reduced, residents satisfied!

Diagonal lock on Grandweg: Traffic significantly reduced, residents satisfied!

Eimsbüttel, Deutschland - Since July 2024, Grandweg in Hamburg Lokstedt is no longer the usual thoroughfare for vehicles. At the initiative of the Green Group Eimsbüttel, a diagonal lock was set up here to prevent vehicle through traffic. This step has already shown the first positive results: An interim report confirms that the volume of traffic in the affected area has been significantly reduced. Before the lock, many drivers used the Grandweg to avoid the busy Lokstedter Steindamm. Now it turns out that the residents perceive the measure as relief, since they perceived through traffic, especially in the vicinity of daycare centers and schools. According to the green faction, the frequency of accident for cyclists and pedestrians in Grandweg was higher than in the surrounding roads.

The diagonal lock, which was installed at the intersection Grandweg/Stresemannallee/Behrkampsweg, pursues the goal of reducing motorized traffic in this quiet Tempo 30 zone and bundling traffic on the main roads. An interim report shows that the blocked route has fewer cars, but the bicycle traffic on the parallel veloroute 3 has increased. This could indicate a further trend towards more cyclist friendliness in Hamburg, which is becoming increasingly important nationwide, as is determined in a DIFU Policy Paper that shows the positive effects of such traffic calming measures.

next steps and public discussion

The discussion about the diagonal lock does not remain without controversy. While many residents are convinced of the positive effects, there are critical voices that fear that traffic could shift to the surrounding residential streets. This situation is already perceived as an additional burden, which is also discussed by various experts in traffic planning. These concerns are reflected in public perception and will surely also come up in the upcoming meeting of the regional committee Lokstedt/Niendorf/Schnelsen in September. The meeting is open to residents, interested parties and representatives of the police. At the request of the SPD, it was already ensured that affected citizens are informed at an early stage.

The different opinions show the need for better cooperation in traffic, which meets both the needs of drivers as well as those of cyclists and pedestrians. Here, politics remains required to take responsibility and to involve the citizens in the process. The points that are up for discussion are the reason for a lively debate about the future of traffic in Hamburg.

Finally, it remains to be seen which answers the city of Hamburg will give to the challenges of traffic management. Special eyes will be focused on public consultations in September, which should show which pace the city wants to strike in its transport policy.