The reconstruction of the Lazienkowska Route in Warsaw is one of the most important infrastructure investments in the capital. The modernisation of key sections of this arterial is intended to improve safety, travel comfort, aesthetics and bring the route up to modern standards. However, a major problem has become illegal graffiti and inscriptions, which can be seen even on elements of the as yet unfinished stages of the investment. However, the scrawls on the Lazienkowska Route are just the tip of the iceberg. Will the city deal with these acts of vandalism?
Vandalised viaducts before commissioning
One of the most blatant examples of this phenomenon is the new flyovers over the Stanislaw Sedlaczka roundabout, near Agrykola Park. Even before the structures were officially commissioned, their surfaces were covered with unsightly inscriptions and paintings. Construction work on the northern viaduct was completed in December 2022, and by then the structure was already showing signs of damage. A similar situation occurred with the south viaduct, which opened on 31 October 2023 – vandals almost immediately anointed the walls and columns of the structure.
Scribbles on the new Lazienkowska Route – a growing problem
Illegal graffiti is not limited to the new flyovers – the problem affects much more of the city’s infrastructure. The investment also includes the development of space for pedestrians and cyclists. Unfortunately, it is already noticeable that places such as walls, railings, embankments or even objects of small architecture are becoming targets for vandals. Despite the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and aesthetics, the new structures are quickly covered with random inscriptions and drawings that have nothing to do with street art. If the scale of vandalism continues to increase at this rate, there is a real risk that all new infrastructure will lose its aesthetic and refreshed appearance in a short time. This is not only a question of aesthetics, but also of the additional costs associated with graffiti removal, which could be allocated to other city needs.
How to prevent further damage to the investment?
The City Roads Authority and the Warsaw authorities are aware of the problem. The city is taking a number of measures to protect buildings and infrastructure from illegal graffiti and to combat vandalism. One of the key programmes is the city’s plan to combat scribbling, which was inaugurated in July 2023. Under it, unwanted paintings are regularly removed from the facades of buildings, streets and monuments. These measures are accompanied by education and information campaigns aimed at residents. In order to reduce illegal wall painting, Warsaw has also introduced FREE GRAFFITI zones, where artists can legally create their works. This initiative gives space for creative expression while discouraging painting in unauthorised areas. The city also runs extensive social and educational campaigns. The municipal police intervene when public spaces are damaged and organise lessons in schools, informing young people about the legal consequences associated with illegal graffiti.
Legal consequences of vandalism
In Poland, painting graffiti on elements of urban infrastructure is treated as an act of vandalism and can lead to serious legal consequences. If the graffiti does not cause significant material damage, it is considered a misdemeanour and is punishable by a fine of up to PLN 5,000, restriction of freedom in the form of community service or an obligation to restore the object to its original state at one’s own expense. If the value of the damage exceeds PLN 800, the act is classified as a criminal offence of destruction of property, which may result in a prison sentence of three months to five years and the obligation to pay the repair costs. In addition, the perpetrator may be apprehended by the police in the act of committing the offence or on the basis of surveillance footage, and the city or the owner of the building may seek reimbursement of the cost of removing the graffiti through civil proceedings. In the event of a criminal conviction, a criminal record may affect future employment opportunities.
Scribbles on the new Lazienkowska Route – what next?
Despite various measures and the threat of legal consequences, the problem of scribbles in Warsaw remains a challenge. Unwanted paintings are regularly removed, but often reappear within a short period of time. The city authorities are constantly looking for more effective methods to counter vandalism in order to ensure an aesthetically pleasing appearance of public space and to reduce the costs of graffiti removal, which amount to hundreds of thousands of zloty annually. Meanwhile, work on the reconstruction of the Lazienkowska Route continues. In addition to the stages already completed, such as the renovation of the Łazienkowski Bridge or the modernisation of flyovers at the junctions with Wisłostrada and Wał Miedzeszyński, work is still underway on the flyovers in Saska Kępa. They are scheduled for completion in mid-2025.
Source: tvn24.pl, um.warszawa.pl
