Alcohol, Estonia, Legislation, Security, Transport

The government traffic committee stated already in the autumn of last year that in order to keep intoxicated bus drivers away from driving, obligatory alco-locks might be considered in public route buses. However, it was noted that it is quite expensive.

Now the Highways Board has set a goal that by 2023 all buses that transport passengers for a fee in Estonia could be equipped with them. Thus, it was decided to facilitate introduction of these gradually, so as not to unduly burden the transport operators.

"As a first step, the obligation to use alco-locks could be stipulated on the regular public transport that is organised by the state," said the Board's Public Relations Department senior specialist Mari-Jaana Adams.

Laws do not regulate the use of alco-locks in vehicles. "Thus, it is possible to stipulate as a condition at public route transport procurements that the buses offered for regular transport have to be equipped with alco-locks or it can be an evaluation criterion, for which points are given at the bid," said Adams.

The first time the use of alco-locks was included as a criterion that gives extra points in the procurement was for some county lines where transport contracts are about to end. Thus, buses with alco-locks will start servicing routes in Põlvamaa, Tartumaa and parts of Valgamaa county on January 1, 2015.