Recognize self-protection during rail travel as a legitimate interest

Weapons and carrying prohibitions at major railway stations pursue a legitimate security objective. At the same time, such rules should not result in travelers effectively having to forgo lawful means of personal self-protection for the remainder of their journey.

Existing regulations already provide for certain items to be transported in a closed and secured container if a legitimate authorization can be demonstrated. However, it is not clearly regulated whether a private person’s need for personal self-protection during the onward journey is recognized as such an authorization. This is precisely where clarification is needed.

Many rail journeys involve traveling through major central stations with a strong police and security presence before continuing to smaller or unstaffed stations, particularly at night. It is often there, and on the subsequent journey home, that personal safety may play a significantly greater role than during the stay at a heavily monitored main station.

This can be particularly important for women who may not be physically capable of defending themselves against a physically stronger attacker. Nevertheless, the proposed rule should apply to all travelers.Recognition of the legitimate interest in self-protection should not be limited exclusively to pepper spray or animal-defense spray. Not every means of self-protection is equally suitable for every person. Some people, for example, do not wish to use irritant sprays because they fear being affected themselves due to wind, incorrect use, or use in enclosed spaces. Other self-defense items that may lawfully be carried outside the respective restricted area should therefore also be covered. These may include, for example, classic kubotans, provided that the specific design may lawfully be carried outside the restricted area under applicable law.

The petition expressly does not call for such items to be carried ready for immediate use within a weapons or carrying-prohibition zone. They should continue to be transported there in a closed and secured container.

The aim is to establish a clear rule that reconciles the security interests within the railway station with the legitimate interest in personal self-protection after leaving the restricted area.Safety must not end at the exit of a well-monitored main railway station.