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Steam locomotives back on the Brocken: Strict smoking ban with high fines!
Steam locomotives in the Harz are running again on the Brocken as the smoking ban and increased fines combat forest fire risks.
Steam locomotives back on the Brocken: Strict smoking ban with high fines!
The steam locomotives of the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) are back on routes to the summit of the Brocken. After only diesel locomotives have been used since the end of June due to the increased risk of forest fires, the popular steam locomotives can now run again between Drei Annen Hohne and the Brocken from Tuesday. With eight trips daily, they are a major attraction that attracts guests from near and far. But caution is advised here!
The weather is unpredictable and concerns about forest fires are high. Therefore stricter rules apply. “The smoking ban on all HSB trains and on the platforms must now be taken even more seriously,” emphasizes the HSB. By drastically increasing the fine from 60 euros to 250 euros for violations, we want to send a clear signal that smoking in and around trains will not be tolerated. The ban applies not only to cigarettes, but also to e-cigarettes. Compliance with the ban is intensively monitored by train attendants and security forces,” reports the MDR.
Danger of forest fires in the Harz Mountains
Why these strict measures? The Harz narrow-gauge railways have set themselves the goal of actively avoiding forest fires. At forest fire danger levels 4 and 5, they pull the rip cord: Then only diesel locomotives are allowed to drive to the Brockenspitze. Steam locomotives, which are considered more dangerous due to their generation of sparks and ash, are only used again when conditions are suitable. “We have decided in a dialogue with various parties involved, including Saxony-Anhalt’s Forestry Minister Sven Schulze, that the HSB can no longer be viewed as the sole cause of possible forest fires,” added People's voice.
Tourism is a big topic in the Harz, and the steam locomotive rides are a real attraction. However, without the right weather and strict restrictions, passengers have to resort to other means of transport. At forest fire danger level 5, diesel locomotives are used. "Before this change, warnings were often only given when passengers were caught smoking on the trains. But now the regulation is being taken seriously," he says Day24 out of.
The return of the steam locomotives and the stricter smoking ban are not just a question of fun, but also an important measure to protect the beautiful Harz forests. Especially in the current season, when drought and heat bring with them many fire risks, it is up to all of us to act responsibly. So, off to the steam locomotive ride and please leave the cigarettes at home!