Starting from December, Tallinn will gradually modify parking regulations on certain streets to improve street maintenance and snow clearing. Parking will be prohibited on specific days of the week or at certain hours, and drivers are advised to pay attention to traffic signs.
The Tallinn City Government has presented the City Council with the first supplementary budget proposal for 2024, increasing the total city budget by 9.5 million euros. One of the priorities of the supplementary budget is the urban landscape and mobility sectors, with additional funds allocated primarily to improve the quality of winter street maintenance and to develop landscaping.
This winter, the City of Tallinn will increase its snow clearing operations on sidewalks in the Kesklinn and Põhja-Tallinn districts, while maintaining the usual scope in other districts.
According to the weather forecast, heavy snow and sleet are expected to reach southern Estonia after midnight, quickly spreading north. Blizzards are likely in some areas, creating hazardous driving conditions. The City of Tallinn is on high alert to ensure snow clearing and de-icing operations are carried out effectively.
The Estonian Environment Agency warns of heavy snow and sleet across the country on Friday, continuing into Saturday. Blizzards and wind speeds of up to 24 m/s are expected. Please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Ongoing snowfall has mobilized over 170 maintenance vehicles on Tallinn's streets, with snow removal and anti-slip measures continuing around the clock. Nevertheless, caution is advised as winter weather creates challenging road conditions.
A report by Tallinn’s Internal Audit Service titled “Analysis and Recommendations for Winter Street Maintenance Management” reveals that the previous city administration set unrealistic goals for snow removal and failed to monitor contractors’ compliance with contract terms. The renewed city government and leadership of the Urban Environment and Public Works Department have conducted analyses to improve the situation, which are reflected in the audit, and have developed new measures to enhance winter maintenance quality and transparency. Efforts to improve oversight and snow removal quality are ongoing.