Confused drivers: 16 signs in Wesertal incorrectly labeled!

Confused drivers: 16 signs in Wesertal incorrectly labeled!

A small but amusing incident has occurred in the community of Wesertal, which is keeping both drivers and community representatives on their toes. A total of 16 diversion signs were incorrectly labeled and suddenly pointed to “Gieselwerda” instead of the correct location “Gieselwerder”. This confusion arose due to necessary construction work on Deckenstrasse in Lippoldsberg, which required a diversion. As the HNA reports, Hessen Mobil was responsible for the construction work and the signage.

The signs were installed on Thursday evening, and the error was discovered on Friday morning during an inspection by Hessen Mobil. The municipality's first alderman, Karl-Heinz Kempe, stated that the error was not too serious, as many drivers now use navigation devices. Despite the incorrect signs, Hessen Mobil decided not to correct them immediately because they would only be in operation for a week.

Sign confusion and its reasons

Particular attention is paid to the terms “-werder” and “-werda”, which come from the Old and Middle High German word for river island. In Hesse and Lower Saxony the form “-werder” is common, while in Saxony the spelling “-werda” can be found. These linguistic differences could add to the confusion about the false signs.

The importance of traffic signs cannot be overestimated. They are crucial to avoid traffic accidents and ensure smooth traffic. According to the Herfurtner law firm, traffic signs are subject to strict requirements from the German road traffic regulations (StVO). This regulates both the arrangement and design of traffic signs in paragraphs 39 to 43.

The legal aspects

Another interesting aspect is the legal dimension that comes with it. A ruling by the Federal Court of Justice on January 11, 2024 shows that claims in connection with traffic signs are the responsibility of the road construction authorities. Those who put up traffic signs have no scope for making their own decisions, as they are acting in the exercise of a public office. Putting up such signs is viewed as a sovereign activity and is subject to binding regulations.

In the case of the sign failure in Wesertal, these legal framework conditions can help to clarify responsibility for the incorrect information. Although there have been problems with incorrectly labeled signs in the community in the past, the current glitch remains an example of the difficulties that can arise with signage. This makes it all the more important that traffic signs are not only correct, but also clear and legible to ensure safety on the roads.