Munich, February 27 – A father in Munich-Trudering is engaged in a determined, yet controversial, battle against parents who illegally park their cars, often referred to as “parent taxis,” outside the Turnerstrasse primary school. His method of photographing offenders has resulted in significant fines for many, but has also led to threats and a data protection investigation against him.
Father’s Stand Against Dangerous Parking
Every morning, chaos erupts outside the Turnerstrasse primary school as parents drop off their children, often parking illegally on sidewalks and endangering young pedestrians. Andreas R., a father of three, was appalled by the disregard for safety. “When I first saw it, I was shocked at how carelessly parents park their vehicles here and endanger children,” he stated.
Andreas R. has taken it upon himself to document these violations. When he spots an illegally parked car, he photographs it and sends the evidence to the local police station. He has reported nearly 70 drivers, some multiple times, leading to hundreds of euros in fines for repeat offenders.
Escalation and Threats
The situation has become highly charged within the community. One anonymous mother described the atmosphere as a “neighborhood war,” stating, “I think it’s terrible, on the one hand, because it’s already difficult with the cars in the morning. On the other hand, what he’s doing is also terrible.”
Andreas R. has received regular threats, including a note near the school displaying his full name and address, explicitly blaming him for the reports. Furthermore, one driver has filed a complaint with the data protection authority, which is now investigating whether Andreas R. complied with all data protection regulations when photographing license plates and if he will be allowed to continue reporting illegal parking in this manner.
“School Streets” as a Potential Solution
Cities, municipalities, schools, and parents across Bavaria are exploring various measures to combat the “parent taxi” problem. Solutions range from “Kiss-and-Go” zones near schools, like in Ebersberg, to school crossing guards, and the implementation of “school streets.” School streets involve temporarily closing road sections around schools to car traffic, typically in the mornings before school and after dismissal, using no-entry signs, barriers, or bollards.
Pilot Projects in Erlangen and Munich
The Bavarian Ministry of Interior could not provide an exact number of school streets in Bavaria. However, the first school street was established in Erlangen last September, with a second following in Munich. Both are pilot projects.
According to the ADAC, a school street can only be set up if there is an exceptional danger that goes beyond normal traffic risk, based on the nationwide Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). The Bavarian Ministry of Interior considers temporary traffic bans, such as school streets, as a “last resort” when all other measures have been exhausted. The ADAC notes that the school streets in Erlangen and Munich have a significant signaling effect for all of Bavaria.
Despite Challenges, Father Persists
Andreas R. himself wishes for a school street in front of the Turnerstrasse primary school but acknowledges its unlikely immediate implementation. Despite the threats and the ongoing data protection investigation, he remains resolute. He claims that since he started reporting, the number of illegally parked cars has significantly decreased. “Because I see an improvement, I feel confirmed that this is the right way,” he stated. For him, the safety of his children is paramount, and he couldn’t forgive himself if something happened to his or another child just because he stopped his efforts.
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