Potsdam is preparing for a safe New Year's Eve 2025/2026!

Potsdam is preparing for a safe New Year's Eve 2025/2026!

Preparations for the turn of the year are in full swing in Potsdam. For the first time, the city administration will implement a comprehensive security concept on New Year's Eve 2025/2026. Loud RBB24 The Potsdam public transport company will interrupt operations throughout the city between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. to ensure the safety of those celebrating.

The Babelsberg district is particularly affected, where traffic will even be at a standstill until around 1:30 a.m. To avoid potential conflicts, security guards will be present on buses and trains to protect both employees and passengers. Outside the closing times, local transport will be increased so that Cologne residents can get home safely.

Security situation and challenges

The security situation in public transport has worsened in recent years. There are repeated incidents in which pyrotechnics in vehicles are burned off without authorization or stops are damaged. The focal points often included the Babelsberg town hall, the Old Market and Johannes-Kepler-Platz. On New Year's Eve 2024/2025 alone, the police counted 138 operations - a dramatic increase of 50 percent compared to the previous year. The city would like to counteract this trend with appropriate measures, such as: the city and community day reported.

In order to counter potential dangers, care is taken in the run-up to New Year's Eve to minimize risks. For example, bulky waste and highly flammable materials should be removed from the city area. The parking ticket machines will also be taken out of service before December 29th to prevent possible damage.

Regulations for the use of fireworks

However, there is no ban on firecrackers for the entire city because, according to the legal regulations, there is no corresponding basis. However, pyrotechnic objects may not be burned near churches, hospitals or retirement homes. A comprehensive ban could only be issued if a dangerous situation was foreseeable, which has not yet been the case in Potsdam.

The discussion surrounding the topic of fireworks and their handling is not new. Despite the many positive feedback on the responsible use of fireworks, there are always reports of dangers during the celebrations. How in the press release from the Association of Cities and Municipalities As mentioned, special prohibition zones are an essential part of urban safety concepts in order to prevent accidents and fires.

Those responsible hope that the measures this year will successfully help ensure that the turn of the year in Potsdam is peaceful and safe. After all, everyone just wants one thing: to celebrate the New Year properly and without incident!