Speed ​​limit 30 in Lichtenwald: Noise protection for our children!

Speed ​​limit 30 in Lichtenwald: Noise protection for our children!

In a groundbreaking decision, the local council of Lichtenwald has decided to introduce a speed limit of 30 km/h on local thoroughfares. This is done for reasons of noise protection and was achieved with the active support of the district office. This measure is primarily aimed at improving the quality of life of residents and reducing the high traffic noise levels that were measured in the Hegenlohe and Thomashardt areas. Mayor Ferdinand Rentschler explains that the traffic authority has given its approval and that there is also a prospect of a speed reduction to 50 km/h for a short section at the southern end of Hegenlohe, where 100 km/h is currently permitted according to the town sign.

Considerations about reducing speed have been taking shape for eleven years. Now a new legal situation enables these long-awaited plans to be implemented. Incidentally, a section of the Hegenlohe through town already has a speed limit of 30 km/h for noise protection reasons, which represents an initial measure in this direction. The country's new noise action plan has lowered the thresholds for speed reductions, which favors the new decisions.

Noise protection as a health necessity

A study has shown that residents in Lichtenwald suffer from significant traffic noise. A report confirms that the noise from motorized vehicles represents a significant health hazard for residents, especially in narrowly built-up streets. After all, noise, especially from car traffic, is considered the most annoying source of noise, as a 2020 survey by the Federal Environment Agency shows. It has been found that even small differences of less than one decibel can be relevant to health.

The introduction of the speed limit of 30 km/h is seen as a health-protecting measure. According to calculations, a speed of 30 km/h could theoretically lead to a noise reduction of up to 4 dB(A), although in practice a reduction of around 3 dB(A) can be expected. Objectively speaking, this corresponds to halving the perceived noise pollution, which represents a noticeable relief for residents.

Support from local residents

Some residents welcome the initiative. A resident reported that traveling at 30 km/h only takes a minute longer and that this small amount of time is easy to accept for the health benefits. The committee members support the project, particularly from health and safety aspects, as many children travel along the streets and the sidewalks are often narrow. The local council sees the implementation of the 30 km/h speed limit as a measure that not only serves to protect residents, but also increases traffic safety and promotes walking and cycling, which can lead to a further reduction in noise.

Overall, the new speed limit has a positive impact on the quality of life of residents and meets the increased need for noise reduction and a healthier environment. The local council hopes that other municipalities will follow this example in order to improve the quality of life of their citizens there too.

For further details about the measure in Lichtenwald, read the article on the Esslinger newspaper. For information about reducing noise through speed limits, visit 30kmh.de.