Winter service in Neuruppin: Ready for the first snow!

Winter service in Neuruppin: Ready for the first snow!

There is currently winter silence in Neuruppin because the snow is still a long time coming. But the clearance services are well prepared for the upcoming winter challenges. How maz-online.de reports, the road maintenance departments are responsible for federal and state roads, while the OPR and Prignitz districts take over the helm in Kyritz and Neuruppin. Together they manage an impressive 550 kilometers of roads and 165 kilometers of cycle paths.

A total of 45 employees take care of the winter service in these two districts. Their shifts are adapted to the needs of traffic and range from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Kyritz road maintenance depot has 1,100 tons of salt available, while Neuruppin is preparing with 800 tons. There is also a supply of 4,000 tons of salt in Falkenhagen should it really snow.

Priorities in winter service

The priorities when clearing are clear. Connections with increased traffic importance, main axes in rush-hour traffic, local danger points and cycle paths have priority. The municipal roads are maintained by construction yards or the Neuruppin municipal service. The Neuruppiners are well equipped with sufficient gritting materials such as sand and wet salt.

The Neuruppin city service keeps around 180 kilometers of roads, 75 individual properties and 40 kilometers of sidewalks suitable for winter. In the event of an emergency, five trucks, six smaller vehicles and extensive clearance technology are available. From the onset of winter, employees will be on duty from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m., with inspection trips beginning at 1:30 a.m.

Obligation to vacate for residents

But it's not just the offices that are challenged. Residents also need to take action. The regulations regarding the obligation to vacate can vary considerably. The general rule is that the sidewalk in front of your house must be cleared between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on public holidays, as the ADAC explains. If snowfall continues, residents should shake the area several times a day to keep a 1.50 meter wide strip safely accessible.

There is also the important information that road salt may not be used in private areas. The cities point out that shoveling snow should be done on your own property. In dangerous places, communities are obliged to take action from 5 a.m. onwards.

Legal aspects and responsibilities

Anyone who doesn't follow the rules will face consequences. In the event of falls due to improperly cleared areas, those responsible can be sued for damages and compensation for pain and suffering. Although municipalities assume responsibility for road clearing, they can pass this on to private companies. Landlords also have the option of transferring the clearing and scattering obligation to the tenants, provided this is stipulated in the rental agreement.

Especially in the winter months, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that sidewalks and streets remain safe. Because when the snow finally comes, a good hand and timely measures are required to avoid accidents and falls. The time is ripe, citizens must also become active and do their part for security!