The Berlin Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday, June 25th, that the proposed “Berlin Car-Free” referendum is legally admissible, clearing the way for a public vote on dramatically restricting private car travel within the capital.
The court emphasized that “there is no fundamental right to drive a car,” backing an initiative aimed at limiting private trips. In its official statement, the court clarified that “the legal requirements for admissibility of the referendum are met,” and that the proposed law “does not infringe on fundamental rights.”
While acknowledging that the restrictions would have “significant impacts on businesses and private individuals,” the court upheld the initiative’s legality, prompting celebration among campaigners.
“We have won, and we have won across the board: Berlin’s future belongs to the safety, climate protection, and health of all Berliners—not to unrestrained car traffic,” the initiative announced.
Now, the initiative moves to its second phase: collecting approximately 170,000 signatures within four months. If successful, a referendum would follow, requiring the approval of at least a quarter of all eligible voters, along with a majority of those who cast ballots.
