Staff shortage: Fining authority does not process private complaints

The City of Dresden's fines authority is asking citizens not to report any more traffic offenses at the moment. Due to staff shortages, incoming private reports "unfortunately cannot be processed at present", the authority announced on the official website of the city of Dresden.

"We therefore ask you to refrain from submitting such reports until further notice," it says. Processing is currently not possible, nor will submitted reports be subsequently reviewed. Traffic offences include, for example, illegal parking in driveways or on disabled parking spaces.

Harsh criticism from the CDU parliamentary group

The CDU parliamentary group on Dresden City Council criticized this approach as unacceptable. The state must not shirk its duty when it comes to enforcing law and order, explained city councillor Steffen Kaden.

The parliamentary group sent a list of questions to the Lord Mayor of Dresden. Dirk Hilbert (FDP) should provide information on the staffing situation in the fines authority and the legal basis for the processing block.

The CDU criticized that the actions of the fines authority not only violate the sense of justice of many people, but also undermine the credibility of the city's regulatory policy.