EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Security, Transport

Kozlovskis believes that it will not be beneficial for the state if the speed cameras stopped operating after September 28. Therefore it is necessary to seek solutions in order to ensure continuity of their operation. There is a possibility that cooperation with the speed camera manufacturer could continue, which would be a much more stable guarantee for the successful operation of the speed cameras in Latvia, points out the minister.

Kozlovskis confirms that the speed cameras are extremely important. Even though they have been set up only in Riga Region, statistics show that, compared to other regions, the number of accidents and average speed in Riga Region have reduced, writes LETA.

The minister also admits that, despite the speed cameras, drivers continue to violate traffic rules. A total of LVL 1,200,000 has been transferred to the state budget in fines, of which 35% has been paid to Vitronic.

As reported, the State Police will, pursuant to the conditions of a contract signed with speed camera provider Vitronic Baltica, terminate the contract on September 28, Kozlovskis said after the government's meeting yesterday.

During the meeting yesterday, the government also heard the company's partners from Germany, who said they were prepared to submit proposals regarding normalization of the situation and implementation of the contract. If no such proposals are received, the contract will be terminated on September 28, said Kozlovskis. The proposals deal with continuity of the operation of the speed cameras.

The minister said that written explanations received from Vitronic were not enough to not terminate the contract. Kozlovskis could not tell what would happen to the speed cameras after September 28 if the contract was terminated. This decision will have to be made in a month's time.

State Police's Chief, General Ints Kuzis said that it was Vitronic German partners who had inquired about an opportunity to meet government members, and Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity) had supported the idea. Latvia does need speed cameras, therefore proposals will now be expected from the German partners of Vitronic, who had made the speed cameras.