On a bustling highway in Germany, an unusual scene unfolds—hundreds of static caravans line the roadside, their colorful lights illuminating them like vibrant Christmas decorations. Despite their outward appearance, these caravans serve as spaces where prostitutes signal their availability for sexual services when the lights inside are switched on. In a unique yet legal facet of the German sex trade, these mobile units cater particularly to long-haul truck drivers and are a common sight in areas like Am Eifeltor, Cologne's industrial hub.
As part of an investigative exploration into Germany's legalized sex industry, The Sun ventured into this milieu on a bustling Friday night. With Amsterdam's red-light district redirecting tourists, an increasing number are drawn to Cologne, renowned for its expansive brothels and FKK clubs. However, amidst this landscape, Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocates for legal restrictions on sex work, denouncing the practice as "morally wrong" and asserting that the purchase of women is "unacceptable."
Despite the estimated 1.2 million daily patrons of the sex trade in Germany, the working conditions within these caravans expose the darkest facets of the industry. Lacking security measures found in brothels, these women operate without protection from potentially violent or dissatisfied clients. Recent incidents of arson attacks and murders have underscored the alarming dangers they face, often leaving perpetrators ample time to evade capture before alarms are raised.
Observing the transactions unfold between drivers and prostitutes parked among the caravans in Cologne, it becomes evident that prices range from £25 to £45, depending on the desired services. Sex industry abolitionist Elly Arrow sheds light on the diverse clientele, including cross-border and intra-German sex tourists, as well as long-distance truckers drawn by the accessibility and affordability of these services.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a price hike by these women, causing discontent among buyers who discussed their grievances online regarding the increased rates from €30 to €50 (£25 to £45). These caravans, dispersed throughout Germany and often situated at the outskirts of towns in industrial zones, pose significant risks for the women who rely on them for business.
Elly Arrow underscores the vulnerability of these women, citing instances of arson and violent attacks, including disturbing cases of robbery and murder. Despite the legality of their profession, societal reluctance often relegates these spaces to the periphery, making accountability for crimes nearly impossible due to their remote locations along highways.
The statistics reveal a disturbing trend—the correlation between remote locations and heightened risks faced by sex workers. The transient nature of truck drivers enables swift escapes from scenes of potential crimes, making tracking perpetrators an arduous task. Studies reflect a distressing reality—men engaging in the sex trade often exhibit disrespect or aggression towards sex workers, confident in evading consequences.
The legal status of this profession doesn't shield these women from peril. Despite the pretense of legality, these caravans represent a dangerous intersection where vulnerability meets exploitation, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protections within the German sex industry.