Protected zone at Fritz-Imhoff-Park extended: 950 entry bans since introduction
The protected zone around Gumpendorfer Straße is extended for a further six months. Police report noticeable relief but see continued need for action.
Drug hotspot Gumpendorfer Straße: protected zone remains in place for a further six months
The protected zone at Fritz-Imhoff-Park around the U6 station Gumpendorfer Straße is being extended for another six months. This is reported by the Kronen Zeitung. The measure was introduced more than six months ago to displace entrenched drug dealing in the area and protect minors in public spaces. In parallel, an alcohol consumption ban applies around Westbahnhof station.
Police are drawing a preliminary positive assessment and speak of "noticeable relief". Since its introduction, 950 entry bans have been issued and 474 administrative fines have been issued for breaching the entry ban. Despite the improvements achieved, "the situation on the ground is still not satisfactory", according to the police – which is why the extension for a further six months has been decided.
Vienna's police president Gerhard Pürstl emphasised the progress but at the same time pointed to ongoing need for action: "The initial results show that consistent police work and close cooperation with the city are having an effect. The protected zone around Fritz-Imhoff-Park has contributed to significant relief. At the same time, we see that there is still a need for action, particularly around the U6 station Gumpendorfer Straße. That is why we will consistently continue our presence and focal point operations."
Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) highlighted the cooperation between police and city government: "We do not look away, but we act – and together. Close and cooperative collaboration between police and city is decisive in this regard."
Source: Kronen Zeitung