A forecasted winter incursion caused major traffic issues in Kiel, including the complete halt of bus services for hours. The winter service head sees no mistakes, but opposition and commentators criticize the city administration. The CDU demands improvements following similar incidents last year.
The winter incursion in Kiel was announced days in advance and lasted only about two hours. Yet, main traffic roads became slippery, and bus services collapsed until the next morning. Christian Schmitt, ABK site manager and head of the Kiel winter service, expresses satisfaction in an interview: "Nothing went wrong" and he is "very satisfied" with his team's efforts.
Criticism comes from the CDU council faction, which deems the winter service inadequately implemented and holds the city administration and Mayor Ulf Kämpfer responsible. The party recalls the administration's promises after poor experiences in December 2023, aiming for quicker resumption of bus services on main routes. Deputy editor-in-chief Kristian Blasel comments that the city's structures and plans fall short for rapid response in such situations. Compared to Hamburg, where bus services resumed faster despite heavier snow, it is not solely due to the weather.
The mayor instead reminds citizens of their salting duties rather than raising internal alarms. With holidays ending and commuter traffic approaching, the commentary warns of further issues as more snow is forecast.