Let's respect others' right to peace and quiet - Mayor Night's appeal
Night Mayor Jacek Jordan is encouraging people to join the campaign to promote respect for other residents' right to peace.
Disturbance of quiet and public order is a problem that affects not only the inner city of Krakow. Data from the Department of Security and Crisis Management show that reports of disturbances of the peace come in from all over the city. Among the particularly sensitive places, in addition to the city center, are the Piast estate and the area of the “Bagry Wielkie” park.
Conversations carried out aloud at night under a block of flats or on a balcony, excessively loud music or parties lasting until morning - these are just some examples of situations that can disturb the peace of residents. We often don't realize that our behavior can disturb others. Meanwhile, the elderly, children, shift workers and people with different rhythms of life and sensitivity to sounds live around us.
Currently, there is no formal definition of “curfew” in Polish law, but it has become widely accepted that between 10 pm and 6 am we expect mutual respect for the right to rest. This time frame is also indicated in Krakow's “anti-noise” resolution, which restricts the use of sound amplification devices in public spaces throughout Krakow.
- Building a culture of mutual respect takes time, education and the promotion of good role models. That's why I encourage residents and apartment communities to join the campaign to raise awareness of others' right to peace and quiet. Even such a simple act as displaying a poster about curfew on a stairwell can have a real impact on our daily behavior," says Jacek Jordan, Night Mayor of the City of Krakow.
How to get the poster
The official bilingual poster of the #RespectKraków campaign, designed also for foreigners living in Krakow, can be printed yourself [download pdf]. Printed copies have been distributed to all District Councils. Posters are also available at the Tourism Department at 10 Bracka St.
Where to report disturbances of the peace
Disturbing the peace and rest of the night (e.g., with noise, shouting, loud music) may constitute an offense under Article 51 of the Code of Offenses and be punishable by a fine and, in some cases, court proceedings. In the case of nuisance noise, you can report an intervention to the municipal police (phone 986) or to the emergency number 112 - the dispatcher will direct the appropriate services.