Who is supposed to clear the sidewalk? In accordance with the Act on maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities property owner is responsible, among others, for for clearing snow from the sidewalk if it is directly adjacent to his or her plot. The exception is a situation when the municipal sidewalk is separated from the plot by a green belt. Whereas local governments are to ensure cleanliness and order, among others. on the streets, squares and open areas.
What punishment? If owner real estate does not perform his duties, among others in the field of snow removal from the sidewalk, may be fined up to PLN 1,500 or a reprimand. This is according to the Code of Petty Offenses.
High compensation: People responsible for maintaining order on the sidewalk will have to pay compensation if you will fall on a snowy sidewalk. In the case of serious injuries (e.g. fractures), the injured party may even claim several dozen thousand zloty. An example is judgment of the District Court in Warsaw of February 17, 2020 (file reference number: XXV C 980/18). Woman as a result She suffered a displaced lower leg fracture after falling on an icy, improperly maintained sidewalk and sued the housing cooperative. The court found that the injured party should receive PLN 80,678 in compensation with interest. In recent years, compensation in the amount of: from 30 thousand to almost 80 thousand zloty.
Read also: “Even 3 thousand PLN fine for drivers. They have to be careful in winter. Those 'smart' may pay an additional fine“.
Sources: Act on maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities, Code of offenses, judgment of the District Court in Warsaw