Winter service in danger: Small tractor breaks down - sidewalks remain uncleared!

Winter service in danger: Small tractor breaks down - sidewalks remain uncleared!

On November 24, 2025, the municipality of Bernhardswald announced that a technical defect in the small tractor would lead to a failure of winter service. This incident affects several important routes that cannot be cleared in the coming winter season. The paths affected include the sidewalk to the school on Kreuther Straße, the sidewalk at the Finsinger Straße roundabout as well as the town hall square and the church path. Bahnhofstrasse, Bayerwaldstrasse, Schlossplatz Kürn, the sidewalk along Römerstrasse and the sidewalk from Hauzendorf to Pettenreuth are also affected.

The community asks for your understanding of this situation, as evacuation with larger winter vehicles is not possible, which further exacerbates the problem. Citizens are reminded that, despite this deficiency, municipalities are fundamentally responsible for winter road maintenance in snowy and black ice conditions, particularly in dangerous areas such as thoroughfares and pedestrian paths ADAC informed.

Regulations and responsibilities

According to regulations issued by municipalities, transport infrastructure and public areas must be kept safe during the winter months. Municipalities are required to clear streets, highways and bus stops, while responsibility for sidewalks often falls to property owners or tenants. They must ensure that the area in front of their property is cleared and gritted when it is slippery. The transfer of the evacuation obligation to tenants can be regulated contractually, as follows NDR reported.

The municipalities have fixed times during which they must clear snow and ice, usually before 6:30 a.m., to ensure safe use of the roads. In the event of sudden black ice, the communities are required to take action within around 1.5 hours. Night services often ensure that checks are carried out as early as 5 a.m. in the event of early morning snowfall. The obligation to clear and grit usually ends with general daytime traffic between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Safeguards and Liability

Another important point is the liability that arises in the event of accidents due to improperly cleared paths. The obligation to clear snow is stipulated by law, and neglect can result in claims for damages and fines. The municipalities recommend that you move the snow onto your own property if possible so as not to obstruct visibility and to ensure traffic safety.

Given the current situation, citizens are called upon to keep their safety and that of their neighbors in mind and to follow applicable regulations. The municipality of Bernhardswald will take all necessary measures to ensure smooth winter service as soon as possible once the technical problems have been resolved.