Weapons Prohibition Zone at Vienna's Yppenplatz: New Police Measures Starting August

Effective from August 1, 2025, at 00:00, two new regulations by the Vienna State Police Directorate will apply in the area of Yppenplatz in the 16th district of Vienna: a weapons prohibition zone according to § 36b of the Security Police Act (SPG) and a protection zone according to § 36a SPG. According to the police, the aim of these measures is to specifically enhance the sense of security and protection of the public in public spaces – particularly that of minors. Such regulations currently apply to Praterstern in Leopoldstadt and Reumannplatz including Keplerplatz in Favoriten.

Prohibition of Weapons and Dangerous Objects at Vienna's Yppenplatz

The weapons prohibition zone forbids carrying weapons and dangerous objects in the defined area around Yppenplatz – unless there is a comprehensible, lawful reason, such as within the scope of professional activity. Persons with a weapons permit and carrying pepper sprays for self-defense are exempt from the regulation. The zone is in effect all day until November 1, 2025.

Protection Zone Around the Children's Playground

Additionally, the area of the children's play and park facility at Yppenplatz and a radius of 150 meters will be declared a protection zone. This measure is intended to protect children and adolescents from certain criminal acts. Persons for whom there are concrete indications of a potential threat can be removed from the area by the police. The regulation is in effect daily around the clock and ends on February 1, 2026 – an early repeal

remains possible.

Mayor Ludwig: "No Tolerance for Violence in Vienna"

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes the importance of clear rules for coexistence: "The good cooperation between the City of Vienna and the Vienna Police is also partly responsible for Vienna being one of the safest metropolises in the world. However, where necessary, stricter regulations must be implemented, because there is no tolerance for violence in Vienna." Ludwig once again advocated for a nationwide weapons ban.

Broad Support for Weapons Ban Zone in Vienna-Ottakring

Police President Gerhard Pürstl sees the measure as a tool for violence prevention: "Weapons ban and protection zones are a targeted measure of crime prevention with the aim of preventing acts of violence in advance. Especially in public spaces, safety creates trust."

The district chairwoman of Ottakring, Stefanie Lamp, also supports the new regulations: "Yppenplatz is a place where people come together to spend their time – it must be safe and freely usable for everyone. All people have the right to feel safe and comfortable in our city and our district."

The complete regulations, including location plans, are available on the website of the Vienna State Police Directorate.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.