Obtaining National Identity - Advocating for Decriminalization of Driving Without a Ticket: Perspectives from the Left
In a plea for Hamburg's lawmakers, the left-wing parliamentary group wants to legalize riding on buses and trains without paying. They will be introducing a resolution during the upcoming parliamentary session this Wednesday, urging the city's public transportation companies, Hamburger Hochbahn and VHH, to refrain from filing criminal charges for "fare evasion."
Heike Sudmann, the group's spokesperson for transport policy, spoke with the German Press Agency, explaining that those who can't afford tickets are often penalized and end up in prison. "These individuals are already financially challenged, and if they're hit with a fine they can't pay, they're frequently thrown in jail," she said.
Such a punishment is not only discriminatory against the financially disadvantaged, according to Sudmann, but it's also costly for the public. She stated, "These daily costs of 200 euros for incarceration far surpass the initial penalty. This is a strong incentive to finally discard criminal liability."
For several years, there's been debate in Berlin about the necessity and significance of substitute custody sentences. As per Sudmann, both the transportation associations in Berlin and Cologne have already discontinued imposing legal consequences for those riding without tickets. Urging Hamburg to act, she remarked, "The Senate can lead the way by setting an example with HHA and VHH."
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Source: www.stern.de