Dispute over the green phase: traffic lights in Munich remain unchanged!

Dispute over the green phase: traffic lights in Munich remain unchanged!

The discussion about traffic light switching in Munich is gaining momentum. Particular focus is on the pedestrian traffic light on Verdistraße, whose green phase recently turned out to be a hot topic at a citizens' meeting. On March 18, 2025, the desire to extend the green times was expressed. Despite this clear request, the city sees no need for changes to the signal circuit like this tz reported.

The current situation shows that the existing green phase of the pedestrian traffic light on Verdistraße is 14 seconds, and in cases where local public transport (ÖPNV) is affected, it is only 11 seconds. The protection time is 13 seconds, which means that pedestrians have a total of 27 seconds (24 seconds for public transport) to cross safely. However, the District Committee (BA) has raised concerns about the calculation of walking speed. The average speed of 1.2 meters per second is considered too high, which is why a reduction to 1.0 or even 0.8 meters per second is called for.

A strong word from the district committee

The BA chairman Frieder Vogelsgesang from the CSU has questioned the uniform application of the speed basis and pointed out the special features of pedestrians in this area. Interestingly, police have confirmed that the location is not considered an accident hotspot. However, the question remains whether the current regulations meet the needs of pedestrians.

A look beyond the horizon shows that similar discussions are also taking place elsewhere. At the southern bypass in Meinerzhagen, where school time begins and many children go to the Auf der Wahr elementary school, CDU councilor Udo Kritzker expressed concern about a switch to red too quickly. The spokeswoman for the Märkisches Kreis, Ursula Erkens, emphasizes how important it is to give pedestrians enough time to cross the street safely. This shows that traffic light switching is perceived as a sensitive issue not only in Munich, but also in other cities.

Protection for pedestrians and innovative approaches

Pedestrian traffic lights have existed in Germany since the 1930s with the aim of protecting vulnerable road users. They are designed nationwide so that pedestrians can get to the middle of the road before the traffic light turns red. Factors such as pedestrian volume and age groups of those crossing play a crucial role. There are various speed reduction measures that are practiced in many European countries to promote safe crossing of roads - including in traffic-calmed areas in Germany, where only walking speed is permitted.

Innovations in traffic control are also increasing, with pedestrian traffic lights increasingly being equipped with additional information and signaling technology in order to increase safety when crossing, especially for children and seniors. It remains to be seen what measures the city of Munich will take to meet the needs of pedestrians and improve safety on the streets.