A Third of Berliners Affected by Possible Car Ban - Berlin's Radical Plan Could Ban Private Cars Inside the S-Bahn Ring by 2028

A new initiative in Berlin could drastically reduce private car use within the city's S-Bahn ring. The Verkehrsentscheid campaign wants to turn most streets into 'car-reduced zones' after a four-year transition. If successful, nearly one in three residents would face strict limits on driving in the area.

The proposal would ban on-street parking inside the S-Bahn ring and restrict private car use to just twelve days per person each year. Exemptions would apply to emergency services, delivery vehicles, waste collection, and drivers with disabilities. To stop people from parking just outside the ring, paid zones would expand into neighbouring areas.

Car ownership in the affected area varies widely. Some neighbourhoods have as few as 13 cars per 100 residents, while others reach 37. On average, fewer than 20 private cars exist per 100 people, meaning roughly five residents share one vehicle. Despite this, the 29.5% of Berliners living within the ring own 24.5% of the city's registered cars. For the plan to move forward, organisers must collect 174,000 signatures by 8 May. If achieved, a public vote would decide whether the legislation becomes law. Residents who want to keep their cars and avoid fees would need to park in outer neighbourhoods instead.

The initiative would reshape transport for 29.5% of Berlin's population. If approved, private car use inside the S-Bahn ring would drop sharply after 2028. The city would then rely more on public transport, cycling, and exempted vehicles for essential services.