Bundesverkehrsminister Volker Wissing has sparked controversy by warning of possible weekend driving bans in the ongoing debate over the climate protection law in Germany. The Green Party reacted angrily, stating that a minister should not unnecessarily create worries among the people. The environmental organization Greenpeace called Wissing’s actions a political failure, accusing him of trying to turn potential consequences of his own inaction into political pressure. Wissing had warned of drastic measures for drivers if the coalition government did not quickly agree on a reform of the climate protection law.
According to Wissing, in order to achieve the climate sector goals in transportation as per the current law, a significant reduction in car and truck mileage would be necessary. This would only be possible through restrictive and hardly justifiable measures such as widespread and unlimited driving bans on Saturdays and Sundays. The current law requires Wissing to present a climate protection program with sensible proposals that lead to more climate protection in the transportation sector. Green Party deputy Verlinden argued that there are many different possibilities, such as a speed limit, which Wissing and the FDP strongly oppose. Wissing’s warning came amidst ongoing negotiations within the coalition government regarding a reform of the climate protection law.
The issue at hand revolves around the responsibilities of government departments if emission reduction targets are missed, particularly in the transportation sector. The Climate Protection Law in Germany outlines binding targets for emissions reductions of greenhouse gases by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The proposed mechanism shifts accountability from individual sectors to the government as a whole and allows for more proactive decision-making to ensure target compliance. The FDP is pushing for a reform of the law, which is part of the coalition agreement. The transportation sector, in particular, is failing to meet its climate targets.
Wissing emphasized in his letter that if the amended climate protection law does not come into force before July 15, the ministry would be required to present an immediate program, leading to the warning of widespread and indefinite weekend driving bans. Such measures would not only impact citizens but also disrupt supply chains, as a shift from road to rail transport in the short term would be unrealistic. Wissing’s warning evokes memories of the ‘car-free Sundays’ during the oil crisis in 1973, when driving bans were imposed on four Sundays in response to a shortage of oil supply due to tensions in the Middle East. A report by an expert council on climate issues is expected to be presented the following Monday, shedding more light on the country’s progress towards meeting its climate goals.
