Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz recommends Upper Austria's approach to disruptive street lighting at night

She points to the state of Upper Austria, which is leading the way with a good solution. In 2024, the state parliament passed an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act, according to which key points for outdoor lighting must be checked and complied with. These include needs-based operating times, light colour and beam direction. "As the Austrian Ombudsman Board, we recommend following this approach in similar cases. This gives the municipalities legal certainty and the needs of affected neighbours are also taken into account. I also appeal to the municipality in Aschau to take a look at this approach and, together with the neighbours affected, to re-examine how an improvement can be achieved. Be it by moving or shortening the lampposts, using motion detectors or reducing the light intensity," says Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz.

Inquiry: Citizens won their rights thanks to the Ombudsman Board

In February 2024, the Ombudsman dealt with the case of Mr B., who turned to the Ombudsman Board with his concerns: Due to an easement agreement, the municipality of Pressbaum was obliged to pay an annual rent in advance for the sewer pipes, water pipe, storage and pumping system laid on his mother's property. However, the municipality did not want to pay the rent until the following year. This matter has now been resolved to the satisfaction of those affected. "The back payments have been made and it has been clarified that the rent is to be paid in advance. I would like to expressly thank the municipality for its cooperation," emphasises Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz.