In an unusual case of wildlife interference, snails have been blamed for disabling traffic lights in northern Luxembourg, creating a ten-week safety hazard that will finally be addressed next week.

For ten weeks, several traffic lights in Hosingen and Hoscheid-Dickt have been out of service – partly due to an unusual culprit: snails. While the malfunction has eased congestion for motorists on the N7 route between Hoscheid and Marnach, pedestrians face heightened risks when crossing these busy roads.

Up to 17,000 vehicles pass through the two towns daily. Pedestrians, particularly during peak hours, typically rely on traffic lights to navigate safely. However, the lights near Hosingen's church and two in Hoscheid-Dickt have been non-functional since January. Repairs are now scheduled for next week after delays caused by spare part shortages.

Romain Wester, mayor of Parc Hosingen, told our colleagues from RTL Radio that the aging infrastructure – some components are 15 years old – complicates repairs. "The equipment isn't kept in stock, and programmed printed circuit boards aren't practical to stockpile," he explained. Emile Eicher, president of the Association of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol), noted such supply challenges are not uncommon.

While a standard short circuit disabled Hosingen's light, Hoscheid-Dickt's outage has a more peculiar origin. "Snails wandered into the traffic lights, caused a short circuit, and left both inoperable," Wester said.

The malfunctioning traffic lights in Hosingen and Hoscheid-Dickt have been covered and flashing amber signals have been installed near affected crossings in coordination with the National Roads Authority. While these measures aim to alert motorists, Mayor Wester acknowledged ongoing difficulties for pedestrians.

"Even though the Highway Code clearly grants pedestrians priority at crossings, this rule is rarely respected," Wester noted, expressing concern over safety risks. Several residents have complained about the prolonged outage – a frustration the mayor says he understands.

Repairs are expected next week, and the municipality has taken additional steps to improve safety: a third traffic light will be installed in Hoscheid-Dickt near a local restaurant.