Neukölln sets up pedestrian zone outside primary school

The Berlin district of Neukölln is turning a street in front of a primary school into a permanent pedestrian zone, according to the Tagesspiegel on 17 October 2026. The district councillor in charge said the space 'is good for more than just parking cars' and that children, families and local residents should be able to use the area for play and gathering. The plan removes several parking spaces, widens the pavement and introduces benches, planters and play elements. It is part of a wider push in Berlin to create safer surroundings around schools, following similar initiatives in neighbouring districts. Local residents reacted with mixed feelings: parents and children welcomed the move, while some drivers and shopkeepers worried about delivery access and lost parking. The district says traffic plans allow for emergency vehicles and short-term delivery stops.