Residents have to clear sidewalks of ice and snow - violations risk a fine of 500 euros
District
- For two days there has been snow on the paths and roads in the city and district of Dachau.
But the white splendor is not just a pleasure, it also means an obligation.
That means: Citizens have the duty to clear and sprinkle the sidewalks in front of their house.
With this so-called security obligation for snow and ice, the cities and municipalities want to ensure that there is no danger to life and limb, property or property;
the owner of a house must ensure this security.
If a house owner does not comply with this obligation, "he is liable for possible accidents", says Stefan Januschkowetz, department head of the Dachau regulatory office.
Incidentally, this also applies if the homeowner does not live in his house.
In this case, according to Januschkowetz, the house owner would have to hire someone to take his place in the security obligation around the property.
In principle, residents are allowed to vacate from 7 a.m. on working days and from 8 a.m. on Sundays and public holidays.
The clearance work must be completed by 8 p.m.
If it snows continuously during the day, the residents may have to clear the paths several times.
Residents are obliged to "clear the sidewalk three meters along the property," says Januschkowetz.
If there is no footpath, a one meter wide lane must be cleared for pedestrians around the property.
The same applies to paths in front of shops, undeveloped land and residential and connecting paths that are not used.
In order to prevent the risk of slipping through ice and snow, the citizens must also sprinkle the sidewalks with so-called "deadening substances";
this is for example sand or grit.
Salt, on the other hand, is not allowed as it damages the environment in the long run.
Salt may only be sprinkled on stairs, steep inclines or in the case of black ice if there is a “particular risk of slippery ice”.
The citizens get the grit from grit boxes that are waiting on the streets.
The city of Dachau, for example, has set up 100 boxes with Split, so Januschkowetz.
“That can be used freely.” Locked boxes, on the other hand, are only allowed to be used by the employees of the building yard for winter service.
People who cannot vacate due to illness, old age or job must find a replacement in good time.
If a citizen does not fulfill his evacuation and spreading obligation or does not do so in time, he must not only be liable in the event of damage, but also face a fine - and that can amount to up to 500 euros.
Leyla Yildiz
