Suche
Mein Konto
Night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers: Are we protecting the hedgehogs in Coburg?
Pause the robotic lawnmower at night? Discussion about a night driving ban to protect hedgehogs in German cities. Does it make sense?
Night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers: Are we protecting the hedgehogs in Coburg?
There is currently a heated discussion in Cologne about the topic of banning night driving for robotic lawnmowers. The Greens have proposed that robotic lawnmowers should pause during the night to protect hedgehogs and other nocturnal animals. It is a concern that receives attention beyond the city limits, because in Leipzig, for example, around 400 hedgehogs are injured by these devices every year, and around 10% of them die as a result. In Cologne and other cities, supporters of the ban hope to ensure greater safety for these cute animals.
But this proposal raises many questions: Does such a ban make sense? Who would verify compliance? And most importantly, who benefits? This discussion is particularly relevant because the hedgehog is a protected species in Germany and plays an important role in the natural balance by fighting pests. A ban could not only benefit hedgehogs, but also gardens in the region.
Hidden dangers
The Greens seem to be addressing contemporary issues with their initiative, as hedgehogs are mainly active at dusk and at night. It becomes particularly dangerous when robotic lawnmowers start working after dark. Similar regulations are already being planned in countries such as Halle, Magdeburg and Erfurt. A night driving ban, as already exists in Leipzig and applies there from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise, could be a first step to protect the ancestors of the local wildlife.
The Nature Conservation Association has also recognized the need for such a ban and is in favor of a nationwide night driving ban. The pressure is growing because, in addition to hedgehogs, many other nocturnal animals are also at risk. Unnecessary deaths caused by such devices could easily be avoided if local authorities addressed the issue.
Practical recommendations for garden owners
There are a few simple tips to help hedgehogs in your own garden. Robotic lawn mowers should be operated during the day as they pose a real danger at night. It is also advisable to choose a device with sensors that can detect and avoid obstacles. There are also important tips for designing the garden: leaving corners for hedgehogs and creating passages in the garden fence are just a few of the many ways in which garden owners can actively contribute to protecting animals.
The discussion about the night driving ban shows that our relationship with nature is increasingly coming into focus. It is all the more necessary for both politicians and the population to address this issue. Whether and how the ban will be implemented in Cologne remains to be seen. Opinions about this are varied, but one thing is certain: there is something going on!