Information about the turn of the year

2023-12-29 13:22:07

Vienna (OTS) – New Year’s Eve is fundamentally a big challenge for the police. In addition to incidents in the home, there are numerous operations, especially in public areas, due to, among other things, the use of pyrotechnic objects. In addition, due to a current risk assessment by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the continued increased terror alert level, there is still a generally increased risk in Austria this year.
So when thousands of people celebrate the New Year on the streets all over Vienna, the Vienna police will be increasingly deployed with civilian and uniformed emergency services with special equipment and long weapons. When it comes to maintaining public order and safety, the police are primarily focusing on the “New Year’s Eve Trail” in Vienna’s city center. In order to fulfill these organizationally far-reaching tasks, additional staff from the federal states of Lower Austria, Salzburg, Carinthia and Burgenland are called in to provide support. The protective measures required on site are carried out in close coordination with the organizer. Access controls are carried out by the security personnel employed by them. The Vienna State Police Department is authorized to carry out search checks.
Regulations:
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In addition to the security police aspect, traffic police surveillance will also be increased by the Vienna State Traffic Department on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. In this context, the police generally recommend switching to public transport.
Pyrotechnics and fireworks:
At the turn of the year, a large number of fireworks, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are set off by private individuals throughout Vienna. The ignition of many common objects (from category F2: flash bangers, Swiss firecrackers, all rockets, firecrackers, jump wheels and others) is expressly prohibited in the local area. In addition, there are absolute bans on use near gas stations, churches and hospitals.
The Vienna police appeal to common sense and expressly warn against the use of unauthorized pyrotechnic objects and improper use of New Year’s Eve fireworks. Most accidents and dangerous incidents involving pyrotechnic products are due to carelessness, inattention, improper use or misuse. In particular, the prohibited and careless handling of pyrotechnics, usually purchased from abroad, without the necessary quality and approval criteria, poses great potential for danger. If the provisions of the Pyrotechnics Act are violated, the user also faces administrative penalties of up to EUR 3,600.