Estonian police weigh new tactics for mobile speed cameras

Estonian police are considering using mobile speed cameras more often in cities and equipping more patrol cars with them after a new warning-sign requirement reduced their effectiveness, public broadcaster ERR reports.

Since August, the law has required a warning sign several hundred metres before a mobile camera. Police traffic enforcement chief Taavi Kirss said the signs curb speeding near the cameras, but speeds rise again once drivers pass them and camera operations at that location end.

Traffic-fine revenue has fallen by more than 90% since the enforcement threshold was raised from 3 to 6 km/h and warning signs were introduced. Police are now considering a change in tactics. Mobile cameras have mainly been used on busy, multi-lane roads, but Kirss said they could instead help calm traffic near schools or dangerous pedestrian crossings.

The Transport Administration says speeding is most common on roads between cities and that fatal crashes on those roads have increased this year. Maria Paschkevich said any cameras moved off highways would need to be replaced by other safety measures. She added that stronger speed enforcement, or the perception that enforcement is likely, can reduce speeding and vehicle speeds.

Interior Minister Igor Taro said it is too early to assess the effect of the warning signs. He said the fall in fines was more likely caused by the higher enforcement threshold, adding that fewer fines do not necessarily mean fewer traffic violations.

Sweden has stopped using mobile speed cameras, but patrol cars there record speeding. Kirss said Estonia is considering that option too, although regulations would need to be clarified.