Most of the pollution of roadside soils and groundwater originate from traffic emissions, pavement and road furniture. This paper investigates heavy metal contamination, originating from motor vehicle traffic in roadside soils in Tallinn. The investigation was carried out from 2001 to 2007 and it covers heavy metal transportation to the roadside environment by traffic and the relation of pollution and winter road maintenance. As compared to spring, by autumn Pb, Zn and Cd concentrations in the surface of soil are decreased: Zn by 41, Cd by 57 and Pb by 31% on average. A principal scheme for decision-making, concerning immediate protection of soils and groundwater in roadside areas has been recommended. At the same time, the scheme helps to specify sites for monitoring soils and groundwater in the national and local monitoring programmes.