Semmering wants to prevent second day of chaos with measures – Lower Austria

Unfortunately, it was to be feared: as soon as the slopes and sledding meadows were opened, they were stormed by largely undisciplined winter sports enthusiasts. Images of crowds in front of elevators, crowded parking lots, “wild packers” and unprotected MNS people in sledding meadows made heads shake (“Today” reported).

These are the measurements

With partial closures, a limited number of people and barriers, Semmering responded quickly overnight. The sledding fields at Panhanswiese and at the military cemetery are public access fields without admission. The toboggan run on the Panhanswiese in particular was very busy yesterday.

250 barriers on Saint Stephen’s day

Despite the increased executive presence, corresponding announcements and posters, the applicable COVID-19 distance rules were largely not adhered to. “It is not possible for us to judge who lives in a common house. But he couldn’t go on like yesterday. That’s why we put up 250 barriers this morning, allowing us to allow only a certain number of people to enter the area, ”Mayor Hermann Doppelreiter said on the morning of St. Stephen’s Day.

“The toboggan run on the Panhanswiese is run today. That means we will control who enters the area. If that doesn’t work, we will close completely tomorrow. The sledge meadow at the military cemetery is already cordoned off today, ”says the local chief.

Lock when chaos returns?

Due to COVID-19 regulations, cable cars have reduced their maximum number of guests to more than half, tickets must be purchased online in advance; more on this here.

“If the construction of the barriers does not lead to the desired success, then we have to discuss the additional steps with the authorities responsible for health, traffic and safety. Above all, users must adhere to the instructions of the executive or our representatives. Our biggest draw is to use parking spaces only in official parking lots and not just park wild. “