Trans-Urals traffic police warn, then fine over uncleared sidewalks
In Trans-Urals, traffic police officers monitor the clearing of sidewalks from snow in winter. If a pedestrian area is snowed in, people are forced to walk on the roadway. This directly provokes the risk of traffic accidents and fatalities. This was stated by the head of the GAI (State Traffic Inspectorate) Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Kurgan Region, Police Colonel Yuri Filipchuk.
He stressed that the main goal is not to fine but to eliminate the problem. Given the enormous length of the region«s road network, over 16.5 thousand kilometers, road services do not always promptly notice defects. Therefore, the GAI first sends informational letters and directives.
“Our patrols monitor the highways and are required to identify shortcomings. As a first priority, we inform road owners about violations and set specific deadlines for their elimination,” Filipchuk explained.
In January 2026, 39 directives have already been issued to responsible officials. In cases where warnings are ignored, officers move to strict measures. This year, 4 administrative protocols have already been drawn up for failure to comply with directives.
