RUSSIA, SAINT PETERSBURG – NOVEMBER 16, 2025: View from Anichkov Bridge covered with snow. PHOTO: Valentin Yegorshin / Zuma Press / Profimedia
Authorities in St. Petersburg announced Monday that an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted surveillance system has begun scanning rooftops for icicles, snow and other dangerous ice formations after the first snowfall of the season, The Moscow Times writes.
The system, known as Gorodovoy, consists of eight vehicles that patrol the city and scan buildings as they pass. When the system detects ice on a non-residential building, the owner risks a fine of 100,000 rubles (about $1,230), transport authorities said.
“With temperatures fluctuating between freezing and thawing, the risk of ice formation on roofs increases sharply,” authorities said in a statement announcing the switch to “winter mode,” urging building owners to monitor roofs and prevent ice build-up.
The Gorodovoy system was trained to recognize icicles late last winter, according to transport authorities. It reported violations at 21 properties in 2024, which generated fines of 2.1 million rubles ($25,800).
This winter, patrols will prioritize central districts with dense historic architecture, where cornices and old roof structures pose increased risks.
Incidents of falling icicles are a constant hazard in the city. At the beginning of last winter, there were 42 cases of ice falling from roofs, and hospitals treated more than 1,000 people for injuries caused by icicles and ice slides in St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region.
At least one person died in January after slipping on ice.
Transportation officials said the Gorodovoy system will continue year-round monitoring for potholes, graffiti, illegal structures and other infrastructure issues, along with its new wintertime duties.
