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Smoking ban is getting more expensive: 250 euro fine on the Harz narrow-gauge railway!
From July 1, 2023, a stricter smoking ban will apply on the Harz narrow-gauge railways, and the fine will increase to 250 euros for violations.
Smoking ban is getting more expensive: 250 euro fine on the Harz narrow-gauge railway!
From July 1, 2023, a new regulation will come into force on the Harz narrow-gauge railways (HSB) that is likely to cause a stir: the fine for violations of the smoking ban will be increased from the previous 60 euros to a whopping 250 euros. The HSB would like to send a clear signal for fire protection and the safety of all travelers. How news38.de reports, the smoking ban applies not only to conventional tobacco, but also to e-cigarettes and vapes - on all trains and on every HSB platform.
But why this drastic measure? The background is simple: the Harz is particularly susceptible to fires in the current drought. According to information from mdr.de Violations of the smoking ban have often been observed, with often only warnings being given. The HSB has therefore decided to tighten the penalties in order to make travelers understand the importance of the issue.
Fire hazard and safety measures
The increase in fines also draws attention to the general risk of fires in the forests, which has increased immensely due to the months of drought. The German Weather Service warns of an increased risk of forest fires in various regions of Germany, including Saxony-Anhalt, where danger levels of up to four are reached. n-tv.de points out that smoking in the forest is strictly prohibited from March to October, and in this context too, cigarette butts should be avoided everywhere in order to prevent embankment fires.
To support this initiative, additional train controllers and security guards will be deployed on the Brockenbahn to monitor compliance with the smoking ban. However, steam locomotives may continue to operate as long as the forest fire danger level is below four. This is another aspect that HSB takes into account in its planning news38.de
reported.
What travelers should know
The HSB regularly informs travelers about the smoking ban through announcements, signs and posters. The signal effect of the new regulation could make it clear not only to tourists from afar, but also to local residents: This is not only a beautiful natural area, but also an important protected area that needs to be preserved. Breaking the rules here could have far-reaching consequences.
Visitors are encouraged to take environmental protection seriously and strictly observe the smoking ban. Ultimately, it's not just about fines, but about a wonderful natural area that we have to protect together.