The previous Pärnu city government did not use salt on sidewalks. They used granite screenings instead. But the new city government started salting again because they believe that salt is the most effective against slipperiness.
Some people do not support the use of salt. For example, Helge said that salt damages footwear and roads. Ain suggested that snow should simply be cleared more often. Piret thought that salt is not good in the long term. Ehala mentioned that salt is bad for animals and her footwear.
Pärnu Deputy Mayor Valmar Veste said that salt is used against slipperiness at certain temperatures. He stated that salt is more effective than granite screenings. He added that health trails and park paths are not salted.
The previous city government, now in opposition, does not approve of using salt. They argued that granite screenings are more environmentally friendly. Irina Talviste said that she believes the new decision is only about money.
Valmar Veste said that the issue is not about saving money, but that salt is simply the best option. Tartu and Tallinn have abandoned the use of salt.
Taltech lecturer Sven Sillamäe said that salt is effective only on roadways. He believed that salt is not as effective on sidewalks. He recommended snow removal and granite screenings. He said that snow should be cleared as quickly as possible, and if ice forms, small granite screenings can be used.