The cause of public concern was the radar being set to 0 km/h, which meant that any movement near the device was recorded as a "speeding violation." This radar was installed in December and was soon dismantled; however, the investigation into compliance with data protection laws continues.
According to the city administration, the installation of the camera was necessary to monitor compliance with the rules for accessing the Christmas market, violations of which were punishable by a fine of 50 euros. Local residents and politicians expressed dissatisfaction that they were effectively photographed throughout the entire month. Deputy Chairman of the Free Voters party, Gregor Fott, noted: "Every time I agree to the terms of online data protection agreements, I did not expect that the camera would record me as a pedestrian in a public place without a valid reason."
The data protection agency demands the deletion of all photos taken and an investigation into the actions of local authorities. However, the Lübeck administration does not admit any wrongdoing, claiming that such measures were necessary due to the high number of traffic violations and a lack of staff. CDU representatives, in turn, have already dubbed Mayor Jan Lindenau "Big Brother," and the faction leader Christopher Letsh called the camera "an absurd caricature of itself." In response to the criticism, Lindenau stated that "criticism without substantive discussion is merely an attempt to evade the essence" and added that it is from the CDU that he most often hears calls for the automation and digitization of the administration's work.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Kubicki, Deputy Chairman of the FDP at the federal level, jokingly linked the installation of the radar to a possible increase in alcohol consumption in December, suggesting: "This idea probably arose under the influence of mulled wine."
