The responsible municipal department replies that it only issues the permit and that the building applicant is responsible for erecting the information boards. The city council is not aware whether this official obligation has been fulfilled. In addition, the city council reserves the right to actually remove the bikes itself against reimbursement of costs. "That's not enough! The MA 28 responsible has to check whether the company it has commissioned is putting up the notice boards properly and on time. In this case, bikes were removed without prior notice. I appeal to the city administration to recognise the mistake and apologise," emphasises Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz.
Incidentally, Mr W.'s bike never turned up again.
Enquired: Golf now banned at the sports ground
The Ombudsman Board achieved a partial success in the case of a sports ground in the municipality of Amstetten. Local residents complained that golf balls regularly landed in gardens and posed a risk. The golfer and the police replied that the sports field was signposted for "ball sports" and that golf was a ball sport. Following an appeal by Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz, a new sign has now been erected with the words "Golf prohibited".
"This is a step in the right direction, which must be followed by others. The closing mechanism of the electronic gate is still being bypassed. As a result, neighbours suffer from noise pollution after the official opening hours of the sports field. Even though the municipality has announced tighter controls by the executive, I recommend that residents inform the authorities in the event of violations," emphasises the Ombudsperson.
"I appeal to the City of Vienna to admit the mistake and apologise", Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz.