Innovation is hampered by transport network problems

Now, out of the 26 million euros allocated for these purposes, only 5 million have been used – a message and data portal has been created on them (National Access Point, or NAP), which publishes information on critical aspects of transport and mobility in Latvia, current road accidents, and parking availability in real time and traffic conditions.

The Ministry of Transport and “Latvijas valsts ceļi” have committed to develop a strategy and regulatory framework by 2027. About 400 shortcomings were found in the NAP launched this year; it is not linked to data from other institutions, there is no plan for the development of an intelligent transport system (ITS), and there is no regulatory regulation.

If no action is taken to rectify the situation, this might hinder the implementation of innovative solutions for road users and ultimately Latvia risks remaining outside the European Mobility Area, warns the National Audit Office, which carried out the audit at the same time as the development of the NAP. Chairman of the board of “Latvijas valsts ceļi” Martins Lazdovskis admitted at a meeting of the parliamentary commission on inquiries and audits that there were many problems in the project.

He figuratively compared it to a closet containing some of the books available to “Latvijas valsts ceļi” – regarding road accidents, real-time parking data, electric charging stations. Other books are gradually being added, for example, regarding mass restrictions. In the future, this website can be supplemented with information from other data holders, including the Directorate of Roads and Local Governments. The NPD system was created in accordance with the requirements of the European Union (EU) – according to a specific “Datex” format, so that it might be used by users of professional services not only in Latvia, but also in other EU countries.

“ITS sounds good, but it is good to use in the largest populated areas with heavy traffic. It is hardly reasonable to introduce it where there are gravel roads, because the main thing there is to make them passable and install bus stops on the sides,” Lazdovskis emphasized.