Informing the individual about the following details:
In a bid to prevent tragic accidents like the one in Warendorf, the Civil Engineering Department of Bottrop is conducting a comprehensive inspection of all intersections within the city. The aim is to ensure clear sightlines in merging areas, particularly focusing on sight triangles at roads and intersections it manages.
The inspection and implementation of sight triangles were explained in a press conference on Monday, August 25, 2025, by Technical Deputy Mayor Klaus Müller, Steffen Jonek (Head of the Civil Engineering Department), Daniela Mooser from the Civil Engineering Department, and Head of the Traffic Department Fabian Fingerlin.
Sight triangles, essential for road safety, are spaces that provide drivers with a clear view of oncoming traffic or potential hazards. The size of these triangles depends on the permissible speed of the main road, with longer triangles required for higher speeds. For instance, at 30 km/h, the prescribed leg length for sight triangles is 30 meters, 50 meters at 40 km/h, and 70 meters at 50 km/h.
The Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Steffen Jonek, stated that the measures will be implemented on an individual basis, considering what makes sense for each situation. Each case must be examined individually and not according to a fixed pattern. The traffic load on affected streets and the presence of accident hotspots are key factors in prioritizing sight triangle maintenance. Busy streets with accident hotspots are given priority over streets with low traffic volume and low accident rates.
The city of Bottrop is obliged to take measures to correct any sight triangle issues that are not maintained. Currently, eleven measures for sight triangle maintenance are in the tendering process at Scharnhölzstraße, with implementation planned in Q1 2026. The measures at Aegidistraße, currently in the tender process, focus on improving safety at intersections by enhancing visibility, with the planning announced on August 26, 2025; further implementation details were not specified.
The guidelines for this procedure are the "Guidelines for the Design of Urban Roads RaSt 06". These guidelines can lead to various measures, including structural changes, installing bollards, creating green spaces, or installing appropriate signage with an absolute no-parking sign.
Bottrop aims to prevent similar accidents through a coordinated approach, ensuring that it cannot be accused of inaction. The city is responsible for maintaining sight triangles at roads and intersections it manages, and it takes this responsibility seriously in the interest of public safety.
