Late traffic warnings cause chaos on Riga streets

Drivers in Riga spent longer than usual on the road on Tuesday after traffic arrangements changed around Riga Old Town without timely public notice, LSM reported. The Riga City Council acknowledged a communication error.

The changes were linked to Riga’s anniversary celebrations planned for this weekend.

Traffic became particularly congested near Riga Old Town after the 11 November Embankment was closed. The closure had not been announced in time on social media or through road signs, causing confusion at the barriers and longer journeys for residents.

Taxi driver Arvīds said he noticed municipal police removing cars parked in the area on Monday evening and saw that the embankment had been closed when he drove there during the night. He said drivers would have to take different routes, which could also increase costs for customers.

Riga resident Dace said she had noticed the congestion and was using the Waze navigation app to find a route to her destination.

Another resident, Edijs, said people were dissatisfied because they had expected the street to be closed several days later. He said residents should have been warned earlier.

City admits communication error

The Riga City Council said the large events planned for the city’s anniversary could not take place without traffic restrictions. This year, however, the 11 November Embankment had to be closed earlier to allow preparations for the celebrations.

Uģis Vidauskis, head of the Riga City Council’s Public Relations Department, acknowledged that residents had not been informed in time. He apologised to Riga residents and said the information about the closure had been distributed too late.

Traffic restrictions will be introduced on the 11 November Embankment and in Riga city centre during the celebrations.