Uniform traffic regulations aimed for Lusatian lakes.

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Brandenburg and Saxony are striving to establish consistent traffic rules for the Lausitzer Seen, a series of lakes spread across both states. The objective is to enhance the touristic exploitation of the recently created lignite mining lakes in the Lausitz region, according to the Transport Ministry in Potsdam's response to an SPD parliamentary group inquiry. Out of the 23 water bodies in the Lausitzer Seen area, 10 will be connected via canals.

Right now, more restrictive traffic regulations are in place for Brandenburg's water bodies than for Saxony's. For instance, in Brandenburg, small vessels up to 20 meters long can travel at a maximum speed of 15 kilometers per hour, while in Saxony, twice that speed is permitted. In Brandenburg, there's a boating ban from 10pm to 5am, while in Saxony, boats can be used throughout the night. Whilst private boats can be used all year round on Saxony's water bodies, this is only allowed in Brandenburg from April 1 to October 31.

Since 2022, negotiations have taken place with the Saxon Economic Ministry about "standardizing shipping regulations." The Potsdam Transport Ministry confirmed this following a query. The focal point is on harmonizing maximum speed limits and the mandatory onboard safety equipment. As opposed to Saxony, Brandenburg has intricate guidelines on safety equipment, like life jackets or life rings, in its shipping rules.

The water police of both states have been patrolling the Lausitzer Seen in tandem since 2013. Originally, a joint ship departed from the Geierswalder See harbor. This 6.2 square kilometer lignite mining lake is situated in southeastern Brandenburg and northeastern Saxony, about 20 kilometers east of Senftenberg. Since mid-2021, both departments have been sharing an office at the Geierswalder See, where only the Saxon portion is accessible.

The utilization of the lake and the Brandenburg-side shoreline of the Geierswalder See and the 11 square kilometer Partwitzer See is constrained due to ongoing remediation efforts by the Lausitzer and Mitteldeutsche Bergbau-Verwaltungsgesellschaft (LMBV). According to the Potsdam Transport Ministry, it's unclear when the Brandenburg parts of the lakes will be declared navigable by the LMBV, the property owner. The work on the water surface is completed, but the restoration operations along the shores continue. A conclusion is anticipated in the coming years.

The LMBV has already set a deadline for the completion of remediation work on other water bodies. As a result, boating, swimming, and various water sports should be feasible on the Seedlitzer and Großräschener See, as well as the Ilsekanal, the Rosendorfer, and the Sornoer Kanal, in principle, by the 2026 season. Discussions are already underway with the LMBV for the provisional use of the lignite mining rest lakes in Brandenburg.

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1. The Ministry of Transport in Brandenburg's capital, Potsdam, has been working with the Saxony Economic Ministry to standardize shipping regulations in the Lausitzer Seen, a region known for its lakes that span both states.
2. As part of the efforts to make the Lusatian lakes a popular touristic destination, Saxony and Brandenburg are aiming to implement uniform traffic regulations alongside their neighboring state.
3. The Tourism sector in Brandenburg and Saxony could benefit significantly from the harmonization of traffic rules, allowing for increased recreational activities on the Lausitzer Seen's 23 water bodies.
4. The collaboration between the water police departments of Saxony and Brandenburg has been instrumental in enforcing traffic rules in the Lausitzer Seen since 2013, with shared patrols and an office at Geierswalder See, located in the Lusatia regions of both states.
5. The SPD parliamentary group has advocated for equal traffic rules in LMBV-owned lakes, such as the Partwitzer See and Geierswalder See, showcasing the importance of the issue in regional politics.
6. In nearby Brandenburg, the lakes of Senftenberg, Sornoer Kanal, Rosendorfer, and Ilsekanal are expected to become navigable by 2026, following the completion of remediation efforts by LMBV, leading to new opportunities for shipping, tourism, and relaxation along the lakefront.

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