Malmö is running a billion deficit in its budget every year. They are desperately looking for ways to get more money from the residents. The latest in line is to penalize everyone who does not clear snow outside their homes in a way that the city deems sufficient, through fines, damages, and penalties.
Decision-making officials have, on behalf of the politicians, dug up the regulations regarding residents’ responsibility for snow clearance and winter maintenance, which has been in place in Malmö but has been violated without consequences.
Today, when every penny is crucial for the city with Sweden’s by far largest and persistent budget deficit, they can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to such neglect.
Tightening the regulations
They have therefore decided to tighten the controls on compliance with the rules and, unlike before, to penalize each and every one of the city’s residents who do not keep the snow cleared and free from ice where they are obligated to do so.
“Previously, you received a letter, but then not much happened. Now there is a possibility of damages or penalties,” says Håkan Fäldt (M), vice chairman of the technical committee, in a comment to Sydsvenskan.
For example, if you live in a villa, you are responsible for clearing and sanding or salting the sidewalk outside your house. If you own a multi-family property as a landlord or member of a housing cooperative, you are similarly responsible for clearing outside the entrance and on the sidewalk, and ensuring that no passersby slip and fall or get hit by icicles.
Focus on bicycle commuters
The city’s administration is particularly concerned that environmentally friendly bicycle commuters do not suffer from negligence in winter maintenance and can cycle as usual throughout the snowy season. In addition to keeping the bike lanes clear of snow and ice, as a property owner, you are also obliged to ensure that no hedges or tree branches grow out to obstruct cycling.
On the major streets, the city’s tax-funded snow plows are responsible for maintenance, but now more responsibility is being placed on individuals. This is with the proud ambition that the whole of Malmö should be free of snow and ice every day throughout the winter.
If it is not explicitly the city’s responsibility, “then it is the property owner’s responsibility to clear, not the municipality,” explains Andreas Schönström (S), councilor and chairman of the technical committee, to Sydsvenskan.
Sinners have until next winter to repent
Formally, the tightened rules and legal repercussions for snow-clearing offenders will not take effect until the politicians in the city council have approved the decision.
They have so much to do that it is likely that it will not be until next winter. This year, those who are inclined can continue to neglect shoveling, sanding, and salting.