Status: 23/09/2023, 21:17 p.m.
By: Robin Dittrich
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In the future, drivers in Austria should pay even more attention to where they drive. This is where "zone future management" comes into play.
Munich – With the help of video cameras, license plates are to be recorded in Linz in the future. As a result, penalties can be automatically imposed for violations of the rules. However, the digital upgrade is earning some criticism.
New speed traps in Linz – Austria takes action against wrong-way drivers
With the so-called "zone future management", video cameras can automatically capture every license plate. If you have a driver's license, you don't have to worry about any consequences, the data is automatically deleted after the check. It can be expensive for drivers who drive through the prohibited zones without permission. Since the cameras recognize the license plates, the penalty is imposed automatically. Other European countries are also taking action against wrong-way drivers and speeders. In Italy, among other places, the number of speed cameras has been significantly increased.
Until now, the police had to carry out random checks in Linz. This is set to change with a camera system. © Panthermedia/Imago (symbolic image)
In Linz, there are already some driving ban zones through which only residents and suppliers are allowed to drive. The best-known example is Linz's main square, some of which is not allowed to be driven. So far, these zones have only been randomly checked by the police. The model for the new system are Italian cities such as Turin or Bolzano, where it has proven itself for some time. The new system is to be adopted by the Linz City Council. In Vienna, new "super radar" traps are to ensure better speed controls. Many fines for driving penalties have also been raised.
Wrong-way drivers in Austria: New speed traps in Linz reap some fierce criticism
Some fierce criticism of the plans for "zone future management" came from the Freedom Party. There are fears that the control is a precursor to the congestion charge. "In Milan, such video surveillance already exists, including the obligation to pay. Should preparations for a congestion charge also be made in Linz?" asked FP city councillor Michael Raml. As a press release by Raml critically states, "the ÖVP, SPÖ and Greens have agreed to make life difficult for drivers in Linz."
Special video cameras are to be used to control vehicles in Linz even more closely – the penalties will be automated. © Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago (symbolic image)
The main problem for the politician is that "private transport is to be pushed out of the city centre in particular." For the Freedom Party, "with residents, suppliers or customers of the city center, there are a wide variety of motorists who have a legitimate interest in driving there." A software can probably not evaluate beyond doubt which cars are really allowed to drive, criticizes the party. Transport councillor Martin Hajart of public transport, on the other hand, said that "a congestion charge is not an issue, neither through a back door, nor through a side door or the front door." (rd)
