Punch of the week

The unknown representative for pedestrian issues

Petra Jens fights quite inconspicuously for the interests of pedestrians in Vienna

(Bild: Regina Hügli)

Every week we select the "Punch and Judy of the Week". This time, Vienna's pedestrian commissioner has strolled into pole position. 

Do you know who Petra Jens is? No? Then you are probably not alone. Ms. Jens has been the City of Vienna's official pedestrian commissioner for no less than twelve years. But we haven't really heard much about the city's top pedestrian during her time in office. We also had to spend a long time searching the Krone archives for public activities of the 48-year-old. Many Viennese are rightly asking themselves: "What was the achievement?" After all, Jens' well-paid position (5000 euros salary per month) in the mobility agency is paid for with taxpayers' money.

Interviews in camera
Jens can't quite understand the criticism. "I give at least one interview a week," says Jens. However, these take place below the public eye. And what have been her highlights since 2012? Where has Jens left his mark on the city?

"What was the achievement?"
Was it the whopping 580,000 euros spent on a pedestrian ticket back then? Or was it the pedestrian highways that should have been built in every district but ultimately proved to be a disaster?