Munich makes Landshuter Allee 30 km/h limit permanent

Munich will keep the 30 km/h speed limit on Landshuter Allee, BR reported on Friday. Mayor Dominik Krause ordered the limit to remain in place permanently because nitrogen oxide levels on the road are still not sufficiently below the European Union threshold.

Between 80,000 and 90,000 vehicles use the road each day. Average nitrogen oxide levels between January and May were 37 and 38 micrograms per cubic metre of air, compared with the EU limit of 40 micrograms.

“As long as limit violations exist or are threatened, the 30 km/h measure is necessary,” Krause said at a news conference.

The German Environmental Action group welcomed the decision and said it would withdraw ongoing lawsuits before Munich Administrative Court. Two residents had sued for the reintroduction of the speed limit with the group’s support.

The legal dispute began in January, when Krause’s predecessor, Dieter Reiter, lifted the 30 km/h restriction and had 50 km/h signs put up overnight on Landshuter Allee. The move was based on improved air quality but was made without the required update to the city’s clean air plan.

The residents won before the Administrative Court. Munich appealed to the Bavarian Administrative Court and also asked to keep the 50 km/h limit in place until a final decision. The court rejected the request and ordered the city to impose 30 km/h again until the proceedings were completed.

Although the city put up 30 km/h signs again, Reiter’s 50 km/h order formally remained in force and could no longer be enforced because of the court’s decision. Krause’s latest decision has now revoked that order.

Further EU restrictions are expected from 2030. The annual nitrogen dioxide limit is due to fall from 40 to 20 micrograms per cubic metre of air on January 1, 2030. The consequences for Munich are not yet clear.