Why a colorful car cannot drive to the book fair - Outdated German Rule Halts Jeepney's Journey to Darmstadt Book Fair
The Jeepney, a popular Filipino transport and tourist attraction, has faced roadblocks in Germany. Despite plans to use it as a meeting point at the upcoming Darmstadt Book Fair, the vehicle has been banned from operating on public roads due to an outdated regulation. The Jeepney's journey to the Book Fair has been halted, sparking discussions about the interpretation of local rules.
The Jeepney, known for its vibrant colours and unique design, was set to serve as a hub for exchange, workshops, and conversations at the Darmstadt Book Fair starting October 13 on the Rossmarkt. However, the vehicle's plans were disrupted when it was stopped from driving to the event by local authorities.
The ban stems from a regulation over 35 years old, which limits the Jeepney's operation on public roads to local traditional events only. The responsible authority, either the local traffic police or the transportation regulatory authority, enforced this rule, preventing the Jeepney from participating in the Book Fair. The Jeepney's operator had planned to drive the vehicle through Frankfurt for the event but was similarly stopped by authorities.
Torsten Casimir, spokesman for the Book Fair, cited the 1989 regulation as the reason for the Jeepney's exclusion. Despite its popularity as a means of transport and tourist attraction in the Philippines, the Jeepney was deemed ineligible for the Book Fair as it did not fall under the categories of local traditional events, waste collection, fire brigade deployment, or field jurors.
The Jeepney's journey to the Darmstadt Book Fair has been halted due to an outdated regulation. The vehicle, a symbol of Filipino culture, was prevented from participating in the event despite plans to use it as a meeting point. The incident has raised questions about the interpretation and enforcement of local rules, with authorities citing a 1989 regulation as the reason for the ban.
