Heated Benches Warm Up Wroclaw

The city of Wroclaw has taken an usual approach this winter in making its streets more welcoming for pedestrians and locals in freezing temperatures. To combat the cold, Wroclaw's city authorities, in co-operation with a Finnish power company, have installed Poland's first heated benches in front of the City Hall.

The benches, made from recyclable aluminium and low energy LED lights, can be heated to a temperature of up to 20 degrees Celsius. They are also equipped with sensors which automatically adjust the benches' temperature to suit the conditions outdoors.

Wroclaw's residents will choose the location of the remaining four benches, which will be placed around the city by the end of 2010.