Police from two federal states in joint operation on A2 - Cross-State Police Patrols Launch on Germany's A2 Motorway for Safer Roads
Police forces from Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt have started working together more closely on the A2 motorway. Officers from Braunschweig and Magdeburg now conduct joint patrols several times a month to improve safety across state borders. The move follows years of stable but occasionally serious incidents along this key route.
The initiative allows mixed units from both states to patrol the A2 as a single team. They meet at the Marienborn service area, where officers switch vehicles before continuing patrols in their respective regions. This approach ensures smoother cooperation when responding to emergencies.
Over the past five years, crime on the A2 has remained steady or slightly declined. Mobile offences, such as thefts at service stations, have dropped by 15–20%. However, serious incidents still occur. In 2023, a fatal collision near Helmstedt killed five people when a lorry crashed into traffic. A year earlier, a drug driver caused a multi-vehicle pile-up near Salzgitter, injuring three. Police also dismantled a theft ring in Magdeburg in 2024, arresting 12 suspects linked to service station robberies.
Joint patrols are now seen as essential for tackling cross-border challenges. These include high-speed chases, wrong-way drivers, and major traffic accidents. By sharing resources, both forces aim to reduce response times and improve coordination.
The new patrols mark a shift toward tighter cross-state police work on the A2. Officers will continue meeting at Marienborn to exchange vehicles and maintain a visible presence. The goal is to keep crime rates low while handling incidents more efficiently across Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
