Delmenhorst: Mayor relies on fines for the budget!

Delmenhorst: Mayor relies on fines for the budget!

The city of Delmenhorst is under pressure due to a significant budget deficit. Mayor Petra Gerlach (CDU) is looking for solutions to stabilize the city's finances and is relying on increasing revenue from fines. There are positive expectations in this regard: the introduction of new speed measuring devices could also help increase additional income from fines to around 600,000 euros next year, according to the Weser-Kurier [weser-kurier.de].

The perspective is that further income can be generated through two stationary speedometers and a mobile speed camera trailer. A look at the budget deficit shows that the city of Delmenhorst, like many other municipalities in Germany, is not alone in facing financial challenges. The financing deficit of the municipal core budgets in Germany, excluding the city states, reached 24.8 billion euros in 2024, the highest level since reunification. This is reported by the Federal Statistical Office destatis.de. Expenditure in core households rose by 8.8% - a circumstance that also affects Delmenhorst.

Problems on the streets

Despite these efforts, there are many drivers who do not adhere to the speed limits. This not only leads to an increase in revenue from fines, but also brings with it an increase in the risk of accidents. According to Jusora jusora.de, speeding is a common traffic offense and is punished accordingly. In urban areas, for example, violations can result in fines of up to 800 euros and driving bans of up to three months.

Stricter regulations apply, especially for novice drivers: for minor violations, not only can a fine be imposed, the probationary period is extended by two years and an obligation to take part in an advanced seminar could follow. The city of Delmenhorst could use the additional income from fines to invest in infrastructural measures, as suggested by Eva Sassen, a former councilwoman. This is intended to give those paying fines the impression that they are making a positive contribution to traffic and safety on the roads.

Financing and expenses

As the figures show, not only the city of Delmenhorst, but many municipalities in Germany are required to consolidate their budgets. The increase in social spending in recent years, which is due to adjustments in standard rates and the need for social assistance, has also led to an overburdening of municipal finances, as the Federal Statistical Office reports.

Increasing the dog tax by 20 percent and reducing late-night bus rides are further measures that could help balance budgets. It remains exciting to see whether the measures aimed at imposing fines not only fill the coffers, but also raise awareness of traffic rules among the population.