Gerhard Baum, head of the city's public works department, also appeals to road users to take the needs of snow clearing vehicles into account during the winter period. "Because these vehicles equipped with clearing blades need space to maneuver. Residents should bear this in mind when parking their vehicles in narrow streets and turning bays."
The most important regulations are explained below.
- The duty to clear and grit is initially the responsibility of the respective property owner. In the case of rented or leased properties, however, it is usually transferred to the tenants or leaseholders.
- Snow and ice must be removed immediately after the snowfall has stopped or after the ice has formed. This applies on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Snow that has fallen after 8 p.m. and ice that has formed can be removed the following day.
- The pavement to be cleared must have a width of 1 meter. On roads without a sidewalk, a pavement of 1 meter must be cleared on the hard shoulder; in pedestrian zones, traffic-calmed areas and squares, a strip of 1.50 meters must be cleared. The areas cleared of snow in front of the individual properties must be coordinated in such a way that a continuously usable pavement is created.
- Snow and ice should always be stored on your own property and not pushed onto the road. Access to bus stops, getting on and off buses and the drainage of surface and condensation water must not be impaired.
- In the event of slippery snow or ice, sidewalks must be gritted with de-icing materials (sand, fine chippings, granulate, sawdust). Freshly fallen or soft snow must be cleared beforehand. The use of road salt or other de-icing materials is generally prohibited. Their use is only permitted in special cases such as freezing rain or in dangerous places such as downhill or uphill stretches.
- A breach of the obligation to clear and grit is an administrative offense that can be punished with a fine of up to 500 euros.
- In addition to the regulations on the duty to clear and grit, the street cleaning statutes also contain other provisions. They can be found on the municipal website at www.idar-oberstein.de/ortsrecht.