Freedom for pedestrians: VCD launches reporting system against parking chaos!

Freedom for pedestrians: VCD launches reporting system against parking chaos!

It's a familiar sight in many cities: drivers use the sidewalks to park their vehicles because parking spaces are often rare. This is not only a nuisance for pedestrians, but can also lead to dangerous situations. The Verkehrsclub Deutschland e.V. (VCD) has now launched an initiative that calls on citizens to report such grievances as part of its “Free Sidewalks” campaign.

This campaign has a clear goal: to ensure safe and clear sidewalks. Vulnerable groups are particularly addressed there, such as people with mobility restrictions, parents with strollers and children on the way to daycare or school. The VCD would like citizens to draw attention to the bottlenecks caused by parked vehicles. Reports can be made via an online form from October 20th to December 5th, with a photo of the affected section helpful but not mandatory. These tips are then displayed on an online map to help communities improve the situation.

A look at the legal basis

Michael Müller-Görnert, spokesman for the VCD, explains the legal aspects of parking. Parking on sidewalks may be permitted if appropriate traffic signs or markings allow this. But in most cases, so-called surface parking, i.e. half on the street and half on the sidewalk, is not permitted. “Sidewalks are intended for people,” emphasizes Müller-Görnert, thereby addressing an important issue.

In addition, the law clearly states that sidewalks should be available for pedestrians. According to Section 25 StVO, pedestrians are obliged to use the sidewalk, if available. This is intended to increase road safety and protect vulnerable road users. Violations of this obligation to use sidewalks can even affect liability issues in the event of accidents.

Accessibility on sidewalks

Another crucial point is accessibility. This is required by law and includes not only lowered curbs, but also tactile elements and sufficiently wide sidewalks. Parked vehicles or construction site materials present clear obstacles that need to be removed. Municipalities are responsible for regularly checking sidewalks and eliminating sources of danger to avoid liability.

Citizens should also know that they can report defects in sidewalks to their municipalities, either via online portals or by telephone. The VCD wants to have a good hand with the current campaign and increase the pressure on cities so that all road users can find their way safely and unhindered.

The initiative has the potential to not only raise awareness of the issue, but also actively contribute to improving safety on our roads. Whether you are affected or not - everyone can become a part of this movement and help ensure that sidewalks can fulfill their original goal.

For more information, you can read the campaign here: Regional Now, MDR and Catalog of fines.