Too many accidents: Greens demand ban on reverse parking in Kiel

Background

In response to the increasing number of accidents involving reversing vehicles in Kiel, the Greens are calling for a citywide ban on reverse parking. According to statistics from the Kiel Police Department, there were 12 accidents involving reversing vehicles in the city in 2022, resulting in 4 injuries.

The Greens argue that reverse parking is particularly dangerous because drivers have limited visibility when backing up. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The party also points out that reverse parking is often done in busy areas, such as shopping centers and school zones, where there is a lot of foot traffic.

The proposal

The Greens' proposal would ban reverse parking on all public streets in Kiel. The ban would not apply to private driveways or parking lots.

The party says that the ban would help to reduce the number of accidents involving reversing vehicles and make the city safer for everyone.

Reaction

The proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Some residents support the ban, saying that it is a necessary step to improve safety. Others oppose the ban, arguing that it would be too restrictive and would make it difficult to park in the city.

The city council is expected to vote on the proposal in the coming months.

Other cities

Kiel is not the first city to consider a ban on reverse parking. In 2020, the city of Munich banned reverse parking on all public streets. The ban has been credited with reducing the number of accidents involving reversing vehicles in the city.

Other cities that have banned reverse parking include: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.

Conclusion

The Greens' proposal to ban reverse parking in Kiel is a controversial one. The proposal has been met with mixed reactions, and it is unclear whether the city council will approve it.

However, the proposal highlights the growing concern about the safety of reverse parking. As more and more cities consider bans on reverse parking, it is likely that this issue will continue to be debated in the years to come.