Unusual advertising campaign in Kassel: QR codes on traffic signs

Unusual advertising campaign in Kassel: QR codes on traffic signs

in Kassel, a creative approach of a young musician caused excitement. He glued a flyer to public transport facilities that contained a QR code. The content of the flyer was piquant: "Florian, I know you are cheating on me with Anna." Instead of clarifying personal affairs, the young man had a different plan - he wanted to draw attention to his music and hoped to attract attention with this provocative slogan.

The reaction of the city of Kassel in this unusual way of advertising was rather negative. In such actions, the administration sees a clear case of property damage. Again and again it happens that public institutions, such as traffic signs and systems, are decorated with stickers. This activity is not only inadmissible, it also endangers the traffic safety of drivers and pedestrians in the city. The Department for Urban Development, Building, Climate Protection and Transport has found clear words.

statement by the city of Kassel

According to the urban department, it often happens that traffic facilities are affected by adhesive campaigns. This includes not only flyers, but also all sorts of other adhesive objects that stick to masts and signs. "Stickers could also be chewing gum or packaging remains," said a spokesman. Each of these cases is considered property damage. If particularly glued traffic signs are discovered in the event of regular controls of the city, these must be removed - an effort that is not only time -consuming, but also causes costs.

In this case, however, the city can do without an advertisement. Instead, she takes the opportunity to address an appeal to the citizens. It is urgently reminded that the gluing of traffic signs and systems is not only unclear, but also a criminal offense. This can be seen as simple or harmful property damage, depending on the severity and the consequences of the crime.

It is particularly alarming that such actions can have serious consequences. An example that leads the city is to glue speed limitation signs near schools. If a Tempo 30 sign is no longer recognizable, this could lead to dangerous situations for children and pedestrians. Here not only a risk is accepted, but also the safety of people on the street.

an appeal to creativity

Although the musician may want to attract the public with his action, it is clear that this is not the right way. Creativity is important, but it should not be used at the expense of security and order. This incident could serve as a deterrent example for other artists who consider similar marketing campaigns.

It remains to be seen how the events in Kassel develop. With its strict measures and appeals, the city tries to persuade citizens to treat public institutions with respect. This incident may contain a touch of creativity, but security and legality come first.

Kassel has a long history in which the design of public space has always played a role. The city administration has repeatedly pointed out that gluing traffic facilities is not only legally problematic, but can also have an impact on the safety of road users. The discussion about the visibility of traffic signs and its function has been conducted for many years, especially in the context of urban changes and mobility in cities.

A focused look at similar incidents in other cities shows that Kassel is not alone with this problem. In cities such as Berlin or Hamburg, there have always been advances in which creative formats were carried to public space for advertising or external presentation. Often these actions have come into the gray area between art, advertising and law. However, the city administration, however, is mostly careful to maintain the integrity and security of the public space.

The legal framework

In Germany, the gluing of traffic signs and systems based on the Criminal Code (§ 303 StGB) is defined as property damage. This means that not only failed conditions for traffic safety can be punished from a legal point of view, but also the deliberate or negligent manipulation of conduct rules by stickers, which, for example, limit the visibility of traffic signs. In addition to the traffic signs, this also affects traffic lights and other safety -relevant facilities.

It is important to emphasize that the city of Kassel must reject such actions not only for legal reasons, but also from safety tactical considerations. The unrecognizability of traffic signs can lead to dangerous situations and has an impact on the entire traffic infrastructure of the city.

public awareness and prevention

The city of Kassel is already taking steps to raise public awareness of the dangers of illegal gluing. Initiatives for clarifying the risks and the legal consequences are crucial to clarify the citizens about the importance of traffic signs. Furthermore, creative solutions could be sought to promote positive use of the public space without interventions in the traffic infrastructure.

In order to achieve improvement in dealing with advertising in public space, the city could offer alternative opportunities for artists and creative minds. Events or approved advertising space could offer the opportunity to present ideas without endangering the functioning of traffic signs and systems. Such measures could help strengthen the mutual understanding between creative and traffic institutions.