Reader alarmed: Tallinn sidewalks are like killer ice rinks! Who’s to blame?

Photo: Toomas Huik

Answers Tarmo Sulg, deputyheadof Tallinn Municipal Engineering Services Department:

Roads Act section 25 states that pavements shall be maintained by registered immovables’ owners. The city takes care of such roads where, in addition to pedestrians, cycle traffic also takes place, or where there is no registered immovables at the road side, or the buildings are further away like at Sõpruse avenue, for instance. The Town Hall Square ought to be taken care of by registered immovables’ owners; however, the pavement in Old Town, next to Harju Street green area, belongs to the city. Pavements a problematic everywhere; townsfolk may, when encountering problems, address Municipal Police Department.

Answers Meeli Hunt, public relations chief for Tallinn City Municipal Police Department:

based on information received by Mupo duty officer, 13 applications have been filed both in February and in March [each], due to slippery pavements. The main trouble spot is city centre; however, complaints have come from practically all city districts. Pursuant to Tallinn city maintenance rules, section 5 subsection 1 clause 1 (obligation to perform maintenance on areas adjacent to registered immovables or buildings), in winter season, 152 proceedings were initiated with 79 resolved, of which 50 were fines imposed totalling €2,018.