From August 3rd to 9th, police across much of Germany are carrying out a week-long speed enforcement campaign. Drivers can expect significantly more speed controls – but not every state is taking part.
Anyone driving around Germany this week may notice more speed cameras, more roadside checks and a greater police presence than usual. That’s because the country is participating in a Europe-wide traffic safety campaign known in German as a Blitzermarathon (speed camera marathon).
Running from August 3rd to 9th, the initiative sees police step up enforcement of speed limits across participating regions.
Thousands of police officers and additional speed cameras will be deployed. The aim is to improve road safety and reduce serious accidents by encouraging drivers to obey speed limits.
But not all states are taking part this time. Bavaria, Saxony and Saarland have opted out of the August campaign.
Saxony is reportedly planning its own road safety enforcement campaign from August 17th to September 4th.
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Where are checks most likely to take place?
Motorists should be prepared for increased speed controls on motorways, federal roads and urban streets. Checks are expected to be spread fairly evenly across the entire week.
In Brandenburg, police have explicitly said they will focus on rural roads as well as motorways.
Enforcement is likely to be concentrated on locations where accidents occur more frequently and in areas considered particularly sensitive, according to police and motoring organisations. This will include areas around:
- Schools
- Kindergartens
- Construction sites
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Accident-prone stretches of road
What happens if you are caught speeding?
The Blitzermarathon does not bring any special penalties. Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit face the same consequences that apply at any other time of year.
Depending on the severity of the offence, this can include:
- Fines
- Points on your driving licence
- Temporary driving bans
- In serious cases, loss of a driving licence
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But with enforcement activity significantly increased, people driving over the speed limit can expect that the chances of being caught will be higher than usual.
Why is the campaign taking place now?
The operation forms part of a Europe-wide road safety initiative coordinated by Roadpol, the network of European traffic police forces. Similar enforcement weeks are held each year in April and August.
This summer’s campaign coincides with the peak holiday season, when many people are travelling long distances by car.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
