Polish capital faces widespread black ice on streets and sidewalks, prompting city crews to deploy 170 spreaders while residents protest slick conditions and insufficient pedestrian protection.
City Cleaning Authority’s Deployment
Spreading crews began operations before 11 a.m. on bridges, viaducts, and busy streets, and then 170 vehicles covered all bus routes. Pedestrian crossings, steps and bridges were salted first. City Cleaning Board said its 24/7 controllers monitor conditions and adjust actions based on weather data.
City crews aim to finish the 3‑hour operation, covering a total of 1,500 km—roughly a straight‑line distance from Warsaw to Rome.
Road and Pedestrian Safety Concerns
A driver and a Facebook user commented that traction is often zero, with many minor collisions. They urged authorities to deploy all available equipment and warned that drivers and pedestrians can suffer serious falls once brakes or steering are engaged.
Public Outcry on Official Fan Page
Comments complained that the roads were still slippery, asking if anyone had considered pedestrians, the elderly or the less mobile, and noting that sidewalks were still hazardous. Officials had already finished spreading before noon, yet people felt the measures were insufficient.
Police Advisories on Rush and Safety
Capital Police Command warned that slick roads can create difficulties even for experienced drivers and that concentration, caution, and speed adjustments are essential. Traffic experts urged people to plan departures early to avoid unnecessary incidents.
National Weather Warning for Freezing Precipitation
On Friday, most of the country received first‑stage warnings from IMGW for freezing precipitation. Synoptic reports predicted very cold showers overnight, especially in the south, centre and east, with drizzle expected to freeze and form black ice in the south‑east.