News

After several years of frustration, the beautiful city of Vienna is finally planning to amend its road traffic regulations. This was made possible by the Minister of Transport, who presented the relevant draft bill. The aim is to increase road safety and ensure slightly calmer traffic conditions.

The amendment also covers the ever-present and highly controversial e-scooters and e-bikes. A broader helmet requirement is to be introduced to emphasise the dangers of these modes of transport. However, some critics are pleased that the helmet requirement will not be fully enforced. E-mopeds will no longer be permitted to use cycle paths, and a legal framework for traffic monitoring will be created. The latter will therefore take some time to implement. Overall, this is a significant step towards improving quality of life for residents and enhancing the visitor experience, making the city a better place to live.

However, the amendment has also been met with considerable criticism, for example from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). Vienna is divided into several districts, and some perceive the amendment as a ban on private transport in the 1^(st) district. Some people tend to think in black and white terms, and do not see the amendment as a good option, but rather as a ‘completely excessive measure’ that harms individuals.

Nevertheless, the ÖAMTC interest group has announced that further discussion is needed. The regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters are not yet fully developed, and entry restrictions are also a cause for concern. In any case, the amendment will not simply be accepted as it stands. It is more likely that changes will be made.

Source: Pixabay/flag-1022605_1280