Further operation of speed cameras and purchases of new cameras up in the air - Interior Ministry's state secretary

RIGA - Revenue generated by fixed speed cameras is currently smaller than projected, which is why further operation of the existing speed cameras and purchase of new cameras is now up in the air, the Interior Ministry's State Secretary Dimitrijs Trofimovs told LETA.

The revenue generated by speed cameras is smaller than projected due to repairs on central highways and streets, which force drivers to slow down in areas where speed cameras have been set up, explained Trofimovs, adding that driving habits were also improving in Latvia.

Improvements in road safety are welcome, but with this in mind, the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry are currently discussing the future operation of the existing speed cameras, said Trofimovs.

Concerning the previous goal of installing another 50 speed cameras and 50 fake cameras, Trofimovs said that no funding had been allocated to this project and that purchases of additional speed cameras would have to be postponed.

Buying new speed cameras is a matter of political will. The project is likely to be discussed by the Road Safety Directorate in the near future, Trofimovs added.

At the moment, there are 100 fixed speed cameras on Latvia's roads, while the State Police have 12 mobile speed cameras.