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Road traffic department as the central permitting authority for sporting events with road closures
Whether it's an Ironman, the Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling classic, or a city triathlon: large events on public roads require precise coordination – and official permits. The Road Traffic Department of the Darmstadt Regional Council 90 applications in 2024. In addition to motorsport events and classic car rallies, their remit also includes cycling races, bike tours with over 100 participants , and fun runs with more than 500 participants .
The legal basis for permits is the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) . Interventions in regular road traffic – such as road closures – require a permit or special authorization , which is subject to conditions regarding traffic flow, safety, and restrictions for residents. The aim is to minimize traffic disruptions , for example, through police checkpoints or temporarily opened agricultural roads.
Three major events in focus
Three events in the Darmstadt administrative district are considered major events :
- Eschborn–Frankfurt (cycling race)
- IRONMAN European Championship Frankfurt
- Frankfurt City Triathlon
They lead to closures of entire sections of road lasting several hours. In addition, parking bans are sometimes in place for days beforehand , and access control measures must also be implemented. The security concepts for these events are now an integral part of every application and are increasingly coming under scrutiny from the permitting authorities.
Smaller events like the Heinerman triathlon in Darmstadt also impact road traffic, but to a significantly lesser extent. Nevertheless, the same legal requirements and review processes apply.
Extensive area of responsibility
The Darmstadt Regional Council is responsible whenever an event extends beyond the boundaries of a district or independent city – or when it affects the entire area of the administrative region. This includes, among others, the districts of Bergstraße , Darmstadt-Dieburg , Groß-Gerau , Main-Kinzig and Offenbach , as well as the cities of Frankfurt am Main , Darmstadt , Wiesbaden and Offenbach am Main .
With the growing interest in large outdoor and sporting events, the role of the Darmstadt Regional Council as the central permitting authority increasingly important – especially with regard to balancing public interests, safety and mobility.
(Darmstadt - Red/RP)
