Traffic disruptions expected Tractors rolling through Germany on their way to Bonn
Bonn · All night long, hundreds of tractors from Lower Saxony will make their way to the big demonstration in Bonn. They are coming in convoys from the east, west and south. Although they are not officially allowed on the autobahns, traffic restrictions are to be expected.
Not only 10,000 people, but also around 1,000 tractors are expected for a demonstration by farmers on Tuesday. Starting Monday evening at 9:30 p.m., they will be in convoys on two routes from Lower Saxony on their way to Bonn, according to the police in Münster. The farmers are already using the several-hour journey as a convoy of protest and have also registered their gathering with the authorities. The tractors are expected to reach Bonn at around 9 a.m..
The western route leads via Rheine, Ahaus, Borken, Wesel, Kamp-Lintfort, Krefeld, Mönchengladbach, Grevenbroich, Frechen, Cologne and Erftstadt and finally into Bonn city center. The eastern route leads from Osnabrück via Ostbevern, Telgte, Ahlen, Hamm, Unna, Hagen, Märkischer County, Oberbergischer County, Rhine-Bergischer County and Rhein-Sieg County to Bonn. A tractor convoy is also expected from Rhineland-Palatinate. It is supposed to leave Hunsrück around 5am and finally arrive in Bonn via the B9.
They are being escorted all the way by police, traffic obstructions are to be expected. "Such a widespread use of the roads by slow-moving vehicles involves dangers, and special attention is required not only by the drivers in the convoy. All road users are called upon to be attentive and considerate towards the convoy," police director Uwe Marquardt was quoted in a statement on Monday evening.
Officially, the tractors are not allowed to drive on federal autobahns as part of the protest convoy, this was rejected by authorities in Münster and Lower Saxony. The speeds normally travelled on the autobahns were much higher than those of agricultural vehicles and the risk of accidents increased significantly. Nevertheless, it could not be ruled out that one or the other tractor might be seen on the autobahn - despite the danger of a fine.
The Münster police informed the public overnight via Twitter about possible traffic situations. Bonn police will keep the public up to date on what is happening in the city from 6 a.m. onwards.
Traffic restrictions are to be expected in Bonn during the large-scale demonstration. Congestion is especially likely on the B56, the Kennedy Bridge and the B9 towards the city center.
(Orig. text: ga.de / Translation: ck)
