Kokkola residents locked out during Saturday rally

Residents in central Kokkola will be unable to access their homes for 11 hours on Saturday as a national asphalt sprint rally takes over the streets, Yle reports.

The event, part of the Finnish Rally Championship, will close key roads from 8 am to 7 pm, blocking vehicle access to properties along the route. The track passes through the national urban park, historic wooden houses, and areas with dense residential housing.

Local residents say they received notice of the disruption only two weeks ago, primarily through social media. Marjo Hallapuro, who had planned a confirmation celebration for 60–70 guests, including some travelling from Sweden, said the late warning forced a complete change of plans. Organisers have since helped secure an alternative venue and cover rental costs.

Another resident, Aapo Kaivosoja, learned of the event through a Facebook group. With rally cars set to pass his home around 250 times during the day, he plans to leave with his family and pets due to concerns over noise and exhaust fumes. He questioned the safety of routing the race through the city centre, where buildings sit close to the street and many families with children live.

Event director Ari Mikkola of Kokkola Motorsport admitted the communication was too late. He confirmed that properties will be protected with hay bales and barrier tape, and that insurance will cover any damage. Speeds are expected to reach 150–160 km/h on straight sections and average 80 km/h on twistier parts of the 2 km course. Around 90 drivers have registered for the event.

City permit chief Tuomas Hirvijoki said the central route was chosen to minimise disruption, as it required closing only a short stretch of road. He acknowledged that future events may consider alternative routes and earlier notifications.