Lithuanian transport inspectors face aggressive obstruction in Klaipėda port

Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA) officers encountered deliberate obstruction and aggressive resistance while conducting inspections in the Malkų lagoon area of Klaipėda port, the agency reported Monday.

According to LTSA, inspectors attempted to check timber-loaded heavy vehicles in the port’s territory on April 21 when drivers, upon seeing the official vehicle, tried to leave the area. When stopped, they refused to weigh their vehicles as required. Company representatives then demanded the inspectors leave the premises, claiming the checks disrupted their operations.

The situation escalated when a port loader positioned itself in front of the LTSA vehicle and a truck blocked it from behind, trapping the inspectors. The loader operator’s actions reportedly endangered both the inspection vehicle and its occupants. LTSA stated it would refer the incident to law enforcement.

The agency noted that such confrontations—where inspectors are pursued, threatened, or deliberately obstructed—are not isolated. In response, LTSA will soon equip all officers with body cameras to improve transparency, document violations, and deter threats. The cameras aim to increase accountability for both inspectors and other road users.

Under Lithuanian law, LTSA has the authority to inspect vehicles and drivers anywhere if there is suspicion of administrative violations or ongoing offenses.