Baden-Württemberg Proposes Weapons Ban in Public Transport

The government of Baden-Württemberg is set to introduce a comprehensive ban on the possession of weapons, including knives, in all public transport vehicles. This initiative is being spearheaded by the state's Interior Minister, who plans to present the proposal to the cabinet. This new regulation aims to enhance safety in public transportation by establishing a uniform legal framework.

Currently, transportation companies can implement their own rules regarding weapons in their terms and conditions. However, enforcement has been limited, leading to concerns about safety in crowded public transport environments. The new legislation seeks to ensure a stricter, statewide prohibition against carrying weapons, which was deemed necessary due to rising incidents of knife violence.

According to the Interior Minister, the densely populated nature of public transport makes it particularly susceptible to violent incidents involving knives. The proposed ban is considered a significant step towards improving public safety within these shared spaces.

This regulation will apply to all forms of public transport in the region, including buses and trains. However, there will be exemptions for specific groups such as emergency responders, firefighters, and civil protection personnel, who may carry weapons as part of their duties. Additionally, individuals engaged in hunting, fishing, or sporting activities will also be exempt when carrying knives relevant to those activities.

The state's Transport Minister emphasized the importance of passenger safety, noting that existing safety measures include the presence of train attendants and security personnel on heavily trafficked routes. He also mentioned the effectiveness of video surveillance in deterring criminal activities and assisting in the swift resolution of incidents. Ongoing pilot projects involving body cameras and regular training for transport staff are expected to further enhance security.

The rise in knife-related incidents in the region's public transport system has raised alarms among officials. Recent statistics reveal that there were 222 reported knife attacks in public transport during the previous year, marking a 16.8 percent increase since the tracking began in 2022. Most incidents involved threats or serious bodily harm.

Moreover, the state intends to empower local municipalities to tighten regulations on knife-free zones. This will enable cities and counties to establish comprehensive knife bans at specific public locations, irrespective of the type of knife or its blade length.