Latvia plans to change and adjust road signs indicating directions to Russia and Belarus through various solutions by September 30 of this year, according to an informative report submitted for coordination by the Satiksmes ministrija (Ministry of Transport, SM) on the Legal Acts Portal.
The proposed course of action предусматривает the gradual implementation of different types of solutions concerning road signs and direction boards that reference Russia and Belarus, including partial corrections, replacement of certain signs, or improvement of route indications through the use of road numbering and European route designations.
It is planned that the replacement or partial correction of road signs will be carried out according to individual solutions by September 30.
According to information provided by Latvijas valsts ceļi (LVC), a total of 235 direction boards and information signs on state roads have been identified that contain the names of populated places in Russia and Belarus.
The ministry adds that carrying out partial corrections to all large direction boards indicating multiple destinations, as well as the full replacement of signs that specifically mention Russia or Belarus within the state road network, could cost approximately €120,000 including value-added tax (VAT). This amount includes potential additional costs related to changes in traffic organization, temporary traffic schemes, or work carried out under heavy traffic conditions.
The ministry explains that a technical risk has also been identified in connection with partially correcting road signs,
such as covering or concealing certain place names. According to the ministry, this approach may result in uneven reflective surfaces, especially during nighttime, and may reduce the uniformity and readability of road signs, potentially negatively affecting road safety.
Therefore, selecting a cheaper but technically inadequate solution could create long-term risks and additional expenses in the future. Consequently, a unified, clear, and comprehensive solution is necessary, the report states.
The ministry has concluded that the replacement or correction of road signs can be implemented gradually using existing maintenance funds, and these measures should be completed by September 30.
The report also notes that within the municipal road network, the aforementioned signs and direction boards have been identified only in the municipalities of Daugavpils and Rēzekne. Accordingly, the Ministry of Transport calls on municipalities to plan the proposed solutions, prioritizing signs that are technically outdated or whose replacement can be carried out by September 30 during road maintenance or construction works.
The ministry emphasizes that the improvement of the road sign and direction system regarding references to populated places in Russia and Belarus must be implemented with road safety as a priority, while also taking into account Latvia’s international obligations, its foreign policy stance, and solidarity with Ukraine.