On November 1, we celebrate All Saints' Day – a time of remembrance, reflection and visiting the graves of loved ones. Millions of candles are lit in cemeteries across Poland, and police operation “Candles” continues on the entrances and exits to the cemetery. Due to very strong winds – mainly in northern Poland – there is a call for extreme caution. In Gdańsk – due to the storm – the interfaith prayer on All Saints' Day was cancelled.
On November 1, Poles went to cemeteries to visit the graves of their loved ones. However, before you can light a candle or lay a flower, you have to go to the cemetery, and this – especially for those who chose to travel by car – was not always easy.
Due to the huge traffic jam, many people decided to leave the house very early. – We will leave at half past seven in order to be at the cemetery earlier. This is because there are fewer people, less traffic, and we still have graves on the road, says Mr. Tomasz. – We come so as not to be an obstacle, that's why we come so early, – adds Mr. Machei. – It is very good to leave at this time, and then you can calmly return for tea or breakfast – says Mrs. Aniela.
Public transport helps improve traffic flow
In many cities, additional bus or tram lines were launched in order to improve traffic and make the road easier.
– I don't live that far, so I used to walk, but since I have a backpack and two nets, I chose the bus, – says a resident of Krakow. – It's fine, you'll get on the bus. A bus comes every two minutes, says the resident of Gdansk.
Employees of the Gdansk public transport office helped everyone get on the right bus. – Especially the elderly are very grateful. People who don't use public transport every day are grateful because they are missing out, says Adam Kaszubowski from the Gdańsk Municipal Transport Office.
Today is All Saints Day. Police appeal TVN24
There were changes in the organization of traffic around many cemeteries. It was not possible to enter some streets with your own car. At some intersections, police officers took over traffic control.
– We appeal to all drivers to behave cautiously in relation to the change in the organization of traffic, to fulfill the orders of police officers, and first of all to keep their vehicles in a safe place, – says the inspector. Joanna Skrent from the road traffic department of the Gdańsk Regional Police.
At the Szczecin Central Cemetery – the largest cemetery in Poland – one of the roads was completely closed to traffic.
“Znich” campaign will last longer this year
In order to make it as safe as possible, only on November 1, about 6,000 BDA employees were on duty. In the coming days, it will be easier to find police patrols not only near cemeteries. Uniformed officers will ensure order and safety on roads across the country. A 40-year-old man who was arrested by police officers of the city of Hrubiszhov found out about this.
– He was moving at a speed of 147 kilometers per hour. In this way, he increased the speed limit by more than 97 kilometers, – reports the head. Anna Kamola from the provincial police office in Lublin. He received a fine of PLN 5,000 and 20 penalty points.
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– First of all, take your foot off the gas, because the speed check and, above all, the test of alertness and technical condition are very intense. We also look at pedestrians, as vulnerable road users are particularly vulnerable to the tragic consequences of road accidents, Asp said. Mariusz Basilak from the Warsaw police headquarters.
The police emphasize that this year's “Znich” campaign, which started on October 31, is one day longer than last year and will continue until November 4. – We expect that since Saturday and Sunday are still free, there will be more traffic near the cemeteries on these two days, – notes Joanna Skrent.
Only on October 31, two people died and 62 people were injured in 55 accidents. Police officers arrested 214 drunk drivers.
Main photo source: TVN24
