Linz Plans Video Surveillance and Alcohol Ban at Main Station

Linz Installs Cameras and Alcohol Bans Around Main Station by 2027

The city of Linz will install video surveillance cameras, improve street lighting, and impose an alcohol ban around the Hauptbahnhof, the station forecourt, and the station park starting March 1, 2027, ooe.orf.at reported. City officials developed the measures following a local security summit that involved months of work by four groups of experts from the police, social services, health sector, public transit, and the municipal administration.

Video Surveillance and Alcohol Restrictions at the Station Precinct

Under the new rules, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) will oversee the railway station building itself, while the city government plans to pass a local police ordinance for the forecourt and station park that requires approval from the municipal council. The police will operate the video surveillance cameras once installed, mirroring the setup currently used in the old town of Linz. Anyone who violates the upcoming alcohol ban in the station building and surrounding public spaces will face fines enforced by the municipal guard service.

Social Support Measures and Planned Security Meetings

Prammer emphasized that security, prevention, health, and social work must go hand in hand as part of a long-term process. To prevent problems from simply shifting to other neighborhoods, the city is considering a daytime center near the station, expanded street work programs, and a park runner system. Prammer also announced regular safety meetings involving the police, Linz Linien, ÖBB, and social associations.

Calls for Increased Police Presence and Regional Strategy

Raml pointed to steps already taken, including the purchase of mobile security barriers and upgraded lighting around the station. Raml stated that the city is planning talks with the province of Upper Austria to form a joint strategy against addiction and acquisitive crime. Furthermore, he called for a higher police presence in Linz to increase checks at crime hotspots.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Linz Station Security Plan

When does the alcohol ban take effect?

The planned alcohol ban for the main station building and surrounding public spaces takes effect on March 1, 2027, according to municipal plans reported by ooe.orf.at.

Who will operate the video surveillance cameras?

The police will operate the surveillance cameras once installed, similar to the monitoring system currently active in the old town of Linz.

What social measures accompany the new security rules?

The city is discussing a daytime center near the station, additional street work initiatives, and a park runner system to ensure problems do not move to other parts of the city.