Since last week, the city centre has been closed to transit traffic of heavy goods vehicles. In the first days after the introduction of the new traffic arrangements, the Riga Municipal Police warned the offenders, but administrative offence proceedings are initiated and fines are imposed from Monday, 22 January.
On Monday, 22 January, several crews of the Riga Municipal Police are monitoring the movement of heavy goods vehicles in the prohibited zone on the right bank of the River Daugava, while on the left bank of the River Daugava crews on daily assignment are paying more attention to this type of violations.
Please note that the sign 306 “No heavy goods vehicles” in the Road Traffic Regulations prohibits driving of heavy goods vehicles and compositions thereof the laden mass of which is greater than 3.5 t (if the laden mass is not specified on the sign) or the laden mass of which is greater than the mass indicated on the sign, and also tractor machinery. For failure to comply with the traffic sign, the driver is liable to a fine of EUR 30.
According to the Road Traffic Regulations, the sign 306 does not apply to vehicles which deliver or drive to receive a freight, and to special vehicles (for example, crane trucks) which are driving to carry out work in a zone marked with any of these traffic signs. Similarly, the sign 306 does not apply to vehicles with which examination of driving skills is taken in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations.
As previously reported, Riga has undergone major changes to its traffic arrangements which will now prohibit transit traffic through the city centre. Transit traffic in both directions is prohibited on Akmens Bridge, Krasta Street from Salu Bridge to Ģenerāļa Radziņa krastmala, from Ģ. Radziņa krastmala to 13 January Street, 11 November krastmala from 13 January Street to Vanšu Bridge, and also Eksporta Street from Vanšu Bridge to Hanzas Street.
These are just the first bans on transit traffic in a broader plan of bans that also includes changes in the neighbourhoods of Brasa and Grīziņkalns, banning transit traffic, for example, on Pērnavas, Zirņu and Senču Streets.
Riga Municipality encourages drivers to pay attention and to take into account the new traffic arrangements.
Information prepared by: Lelde Rudzika, Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga City Council, email: lelde.rudzika@riga.lv