There is a large number of roadwork sites in the cities, and traffic arrangements often change as the works progress. Ensuring safety requires constant care from both the planners and the implementers of worksites. The safety of road users must not be compromised, even if the worksites cause changes to traffic arrangements.
The supervision week will take place at the beginning of the autumn semester, and during the week, particular attention will be paid to worksites located near schools and daycare centres, and to the travel safety of children.
Aiming to strengthen safety and cooperation
As part of the supervision activities, those who are responsible for supervising roadwork sites in the cities will carry out inspections of the traffic arrangements at worksites in collaboration with the police. The aim is not only to identify shortcomings, but, above all, to prevent dangerous situations, promote safe modes of operation and share good practices between the cities, the police and worksite operators.
The supervision operators will pay particular attention to the following matters:
- signposting for pedestrian and cycling routes, and their safety and clarity
- the visibility of pedestrian crossings and adequate sightlines
- changes to the traffic environment caused by the worksites, and their proper implementation
- the safety, adequate dimensions and accessibility of alternative routes, also taking into account devices such as prams, wheelchairs and other mobility aids
- compliance with the requirements set for traffic arrangements and traffic control at worksites.
The collaborative, intensified supervision of temporary traffic arrangements, originally launched by the City of Helsinki and the police, is extended this year to cover all of Finland for the first time. In the capital area the supervision week will be carried out in collaboration with the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, and the police forces of Helsinki, Eastern Uusimaa and Western Uusimaa.
Parking close to pedestrian crossings to also be subject to intensified supervision
On 19 August, Parking Control and the police in Helsinki will hold their now traditional pedestrian crossing safety campaign. The aim is to remind people of the five-metre rule, as the smallest road users are particularly at risk when using a pedestrian crossing if a parked car obscures part of their view.
This year, Parking Control and the police will make an appearance at Kallio Primary School (Neljäs linja 11–15). The programme for the event, aimed specifically at first-graders, includes a performance by the Police Symphonic Band’s children’s ensemble, a tow truck, activities related to observing traffic signs, and measuring five metres with street chalk. The event starts at 11.00.
More than half of all accidents involving pedestrians occur at pedestrian crossings. Last year, almost 15,000 parking fines were issued to cars parked less than five metres away from pedestrian crossings.