Winter service in Hemau: Priority on main roads after lightning ice!

Winter service in Hemau: Priority on main roads after lightning ice!

The city of Hemau's winter service is currently working around the clock due to lightning ice and snowfall. The condition of the roads has taken on a central role, as the safety of road users is the top priority. In this winter state of emergency, the city has decided to temporarily concentrate on the most important transport routes. This means that cycle paths will not be gritted until further notice.

Although our salt stores were completely full at the start of the season, they are now significantly reduced due to the high level of use. In order to continue carrying out the necessary measures, supplies of road salt have already been ordered. The city of Hemau will inform citizens immediately as soon as the salt stores have been refilled and widespread spreading is possible. This information was published on the website of the city of Hemau.

Legal framework for winter service

Road salt is used in winter road maintenance in many municipalities due to its quick effect and cost-effectiveness. However, the use of salt is not without problems. It damages soil and water, affects urban trees and can be dangerous to animals. Therefore, many cities have regulations that limit the use of thawing agents such as salt to dangerous areas, while blunting agents such as grit and sand are even permitted.

In Germany there are no uniform regulations for the use of road salt in winter services, which leads to regional differences. In Berlin, the use of thawing agents, including salt, is generally prohibited. In Hamburg, however, there is a salt ban that can be temporarily lifted in extreme weather conditions. In Bavaria, the use of salt on roads is permitted, but municipalities should show restraint when it comes to sidewalks. Components such as the traffic safety obligation and the regulations of state law are central legal framework conditions that must be observed by municipalities. This is explained in detail in the article by Kommunal.de.

In addition, municipalities are allowed to transfer the clearing and gritting duties to residents and make clear regulations regarding the permissible gritting materials. What is exciting, however, is that illegal use of salt by citizens is not permitted in many cities, with exceptions for particularly dangerous areas. There is also the possibility of fines for violations.

In this context, it is important to inform citizens about the applicable regulations and their prioritization in order to effectively ensure both safety and environmental protection.