Traffic trial ends up in the taxpayers' association's black book

The city of Dresden has made it into the nationwide Black Book of the Taxpayers' Association with its failed traffic experiment at the Blue Wonder. The experiment in the service of cyclists is the only Saxon entry in the publication and is entitled "A crazy traffic project". The taxpayers' association calculated that the experiment with bicycle lanes on an Elbe bridge, which is already plagued by traffic jams, cost taxpayers 181,814.60 euros.

Vehicles were stuck in traffic jams for up to 50 minutes

Originally, the trial was supposed to last from April 8 to June 16. However, after around three weeks, the project was already history because it caused traffic chaos every day. Especially at peak times, commuters, buses, emergency services and care services were sometimes stuck in traffic jams for up to 50 minutes. Although more people used the cycle path, its special routing meant that there was no greater safety for cyclists, according to the taxpayers' association.

Greens regret lack of patience with the traffic trial

Dresden's traffic mayor Stephan Kühn (Greens) defended the decision to carry out the traffic trial at the time despite harsh criticism. The FDP parliamentary group in Dresden City Council welcomed the premature end. "If an experiment doesn't work and paralyzes traffic for motorists as well as for public transport, then it doesn't have to be pushed through at the drop of a hat," they said. The Greens, on the other hand, regretted what they saw as a lack of patience with the traffic experiment.

Taxpayers: Project would have been dispensable if it had been carefully examined beforehand

The project was already controversial beforehand because the trial meant that one lane of traffic was removed. The traffic jams caused noise and exhaust fumes for local residents. "If the project had been carefully examined in advance, such an experiment would not have been necessary," says the Black Book. Traffic tests are a proven instrument for gaining knowledge. However, all the cards must be put on the table and the advantages and disadvantages considered.