Traffic & Parking at ESO Garching
Status of ESO
ESO is an intergovernmental organisation and enjoys specific privileges and immunities in its host-country, Germany. In particular, the national law of Germany is not applicable within the ESO premises. The sole sovereign authority over the ESO site lies with the ESO Director General.
Speed / Applicable Law
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The sign says it all: max 20 km/h on ESO ground. The German traffic code is applicable, with an exception deriving from the above-mentioned status of ESO: only the Director General, and by delegation the Director of Administration are allowed to call/invite German police or other national authorities on ESO ground. |
Parking
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Parking is allowed on the designated spaces only. There are designated visitors spaces beyond the first barrier, left hand of the pedestrian bridge when entering. ESO reserves the right to have parking offenders towed away at their own risk and cost. This applies in particular to vehicles parked in/against of fire-lanes, hydrants, and emergency exits. ESO also reserves the right to have cars hampering ESOs operation to be towed away at the owner's risk&cost (overnight/long-term parking: check with reception and leave your key). |
Responsibility
ESO declines all responsibility for any loss/damages/theft that may occur to parked vehicles. In case of dispute, only the ESO Director General or the Director of Administration are authorised to call the police.
As a measure of prevention, drive carefully and defensively, do not leave valuables in your car, and lock your car - even for short absences.