Persistent Violators at the Lake: Cities and Local Authorities in Brandenburg-WValid continue battle against law-breaking park-goers
Sharing and Posting Options:Share on WhatsApp 📲 | Share on Facebook 🤝 | Share via SMS 📞 | Email ✉️
Overcrowded parking lots at local lakes are causing a stir in communities, particularly during hot weather. The increased danger of blocked emergency routes is a concern for many.
Sweltering summer days can make a dip at the nearest lake sound like heaven. However, these sought-after spots often become mobbed, leading to overcrowded parking lots. As a result, many sun worshippers park their cars in unauthorized areas. These illegal parkers can quickly turn into a nuisance.
- Hefty fines at Jettkof Baggersee
- Issues at Rangendingen Dam
- What gets done with illegal parker fines?
- DLRG cautions: Illegal parking at lakes can be a matter of life and death
- No issues with illegal parkers in Maulbronn
Hefty fines at Jettkof Baggersee
The struggle with overcrowded parking lots and illegal parkers is well-known at Jettkof Baggersee in Ostrach (Sigmaringen district). As reported by the "Schwäbische Zeitung", over the weekend following Corpus Christi, no less than €2,200 in fines were handed out to those parking illegally.
The municipality of Ostrach has dealt with the issue for a while now, confirming Judith Klotz from the local Ordnance Office. Cars parked outside designated areas not only obstruct public transportation and agriculture but also pose serious problems for emergency services by blocking access routes.
In an attempt to solve this issue, the municipality has hired a security service. This isn't unique in the region, as almost every nearby lake employs such measures.
Problems galore at Rangendingen Dam
Similar difficulties are encountered at the Rangendingen Dam (Zollernalbkreis). As Oliver Freiberg from the Rangendingen municipality informed our site, the problem has been around for a few years and has only grown worse in terms of the number of incidents and driver disregard for traffic rules.
The large influx of cars makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach their destinations, posing a threat not only to vacationers but also to residents. The Rangendingen Dam borders a residential area. Freiberg pointed out that even residents may need medical or fire services, with the street clearly marked as an emergency route. Additionally, the noise caused by the arrival and departure of vehicles is a daily annoyance.
Presently, parking at the Rangendingen lake is free. However, the municipality reserves the right to introduce fees to control the car influx.
Here's what bathers had to say about the security service deployed in Rangendingen two years ago:
What happens to the fines for illegal parkers?
Back at Jettkof Baggersee in Ostrach: Judith Klotz from the local Ordnance Office explains that parkers who violate parking restrictions face a minimum fine of €25. If one parks a vehicle along a forestry or agricultural path, the fine increases to €55.
The revenue derived from such fines is not earmarked, according to Klotz. However, there are ongoing expenses, including the costs for the security service used, mobile toilet provisions, personnel in the public order service, signage, infrastructure development like a bike parking area, and a recently opened bike path to the gravel pit, as well as the ever-intensive waste removal.
The DLRG warns: Illegal parking at bathing lakes can be a matter of life and death
The situation is also known to the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). Bastian Hess, the head of communications for the DLRG state association of Württemberg e.V., informed our site that rescue forces may lose valuable minutes due to blocked access roads to lakeside areas.
When every second is critical - whether a child is drowning or somebody is suffering a circulatory collapse - the DLRG strongly urges:
- Park only in designated areas
- Keep parking spaces clear, especially along emergency lanes and access roads
- Pay attention to signage
No issues with illegal parkers in Maulbronn
However, there are also communities where drivers respect the rules, like at the Deep Lake in Maulbronn (Enz district). The parking area around the lake is sufficient for the time being, according to Roland Angermaier from the City of Maulbronn. No plans are being considered to change the free, time-unlimited parking policy.
In general, overcrowded or illegal parking at lakes in Baden-Württemberg can pose risks to the safety of both vacationers and the local residents. Emergency vehicles may not be able to provide timely assistance during emergencies due to blocked, narrowed, or obstructed access routes. Local authorities address these issues through a variety of measures, such as the expansion and proper management of parking facilities, clear signage, enforcement by local police or park rangers, promotion of public transportation, and public awareness campaigns.
- The municipality of Ostrach, struggling with overcrowded parking lots and illegal parking at Jettkof Baggersee, has hired a security service to manage the issue, which is a common measure taken by nearby lakes in the region.
- Hefty fines, ranging from €25 to €55, are issued to those who violate parking restrictions at Jettkof Baggersee, and the revenue derived from these fines is used to cover ongoing expenses such as security service costs, infrastructure development, and waste removal.
