German city to ban cars by 2034 under Green Network Plan

There are many places where cars simply don't make sense and city Centres are one of them as in Europe the streets are too narrow and twisty to manage in a modern car unlike in America where the grid system making it easily navigated with a car. As such, the German city of Hamburg has announced plans to eliminate car vehicles,not just a few but all, such as models from Ford,Nissan Mercedes, and even their own german brands such as BMW.  from within it's city limits within the next 20 years, dubbing it the 'Green Network Plan'. At the moment, Hamburg is currently 40% parks and green areas.

The city's initial plans will eliminate the need for a car around the city, running opposite the famous German history with the automobile. Manufacturers such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz currently fly the flag for Germany in the motoring industry but it appears their products will soon be surplus to requirements in Hamburg.

What the Green Network Plan will mean

Hamburg, Germany's second largest city, plans to develop a cycle, pedestrian and public transport only infrastructure by 2034. The many green areas and parks will be linked by cycle routes and walkways to enable people to explore most of the city without the need of a car.

Along with the development of these car-free zones, the city will also construct more green spaces to help absorb CO2 and regulate the city’s climate as Hamburg has been ravaged by severe weather recently. It's status as a major North Sea port also means it's equally susceptible to rising sea levels. Germany hopes the plan will help prevent storm flooding.
 

Germany’s Green Party has done much to raise public awareness about the challenge posed by global warming. Although it is a major North Sea port, Hamburg’s median temperatures have risen by 1.2C to 9C over the past 60 years. Sea levels have risen by 20 centimeters over the same period. Hamburg has invested heavily in a comprehensive flood defense system which spared the city during the recent spate of hurricane force depressions which swept much of western Europe, but sea levels are expected to increase by another 30 to 110 centimetres by 2100.

Comments on the Green Network Plan

City spokesperson, Angelika Fritsch, commented, “Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city Centre. In 15 to 20 years you’ll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot.” Going on to add that, “We envision a network that doesn't’t just help residents to get from point A to B in a sustainable fashion. It will offer people opportunities to hike, swim, do water sports, enjoy picnics, restaurants, experience calms and watch nature right in the city.”

Jens Kerstan, the Parliamentary Leader of Hamburg’s Green Party, describes the Green Network as an excellent idea. He added that, “We are still in the early stages.” He went on to say that one of the main objectives is to adapt the city to climate change, an issue still overlooked by many politicians, who since Fukushima, he says, have been preoccupied with Germany’s commitment to abandon nuclear power, “Our residents are quite progressive. Many Hamburgers are willing to give up their cars, which is very unusual in Germany.”

For an economic standpoint, the Green Network has it's critics. Some have argued that it could take up space that would be better suited for housing and business development but Dr Sven Schulze of Hamburg’s Institute for International Economics says that the greening of Hamburg may also bring economic advantages because he claims it will help “attract highly educated and competent people” to the city.

Does this mean all cities will take up the Green Network Plan?

Not really. The only major European city to have attempted something similar is Copenhagen which is currently building a network of 26 so-called “bicycle superhighways” which spread out from the city Centre to the outskirts. The project is part of the Danish capital’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The German Green Network Plan is already underway and around 30 city planners are currently working full time on plans for the network which will cover an approximate 17,000 acres.