Illegal repainting sparks concern over Oberndorf crossing

Unknown people appear to have repainted a former zebra crossing in Oberndorf near Salzburg over the weekend, despite the crossing having been moved. ORF reported on Monday that many pedestrians still use the old crossing, and drivers continue to stop for them.

From a distance, it is difficult to tell that the markings are not official. The Salzburg-Umgebung district authority ordered the crossing to be moved following an railway-law procedure, saying the change had been recommended for safety reasons.

One concern was that trucks stopping at the old crossing could come to a halt on the nearby railway crossing. The authority issued the measures in coordination with the regional road administration, traffic planners and the municipality of Oberndorf.

Mayor Georg Djundja of the Social Democratic Party said the new crossing had been established about 150 metres north of the district authority and was already being used by some pupils. He said he expected people to get used to the relocation, although he did not consider it ideal.

The illegally painted crossing has been reported and is expected to be removed soon, according to initial information.