The government approved the new road safety program on Thursday. The program is valid for the years 2026–2035. References to the use of "average speed cameras" were removed from the draft. However, there is discussion about increasing "automatic traffic surveillance."
The program states that automatic traffic surveillance helps make processes faster and more efficient. Traffic surveillance should prevent dangerous behavior and ensure compliance with safety requirements. Automatic surveillance is one of the most important parts of the program.
The draft does not use the word "camera" once. Previously, the use of average speed cameras was included in the program, but it was removed on December 8. Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis signed the draft on December 5, but the cameras were later removed.
Attorney Carri Ginter said the program remains problematic. He believed that cameras are hidden in the program, even though the word "camera" has been removed. Ginter emphasized that measuring average speed is the only method that works on long road sections.
The aim of the program is to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries in traffic accidents. By 2035, the goal is that no more than 22 people should die and no more than 272 people should be seriously injured on average over three years.
The program focuses primarily on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and children. By 2035, no child under the age of 16 should die in traffic. Also, no pedestrian should die in urban traffic.
The state promises to invest in safer infrastructure, reduce speeds on dangerous road sections, and control systematic violators. Every road user can help create safer traffic with their behavior.