Kozlovskis: Latvia Does Not Need Road Signs Pointing to Russia and Belarus
Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis stated that Latvia currently sees no need for road signs indicating directions to Russia and Belarus. The ministry has prepared a report proposing the modification or removal of such signs, with estimated costs of around €120,000.
In an interview with LETA, Latvian Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis said that road signs pointing to Russia and Belarus are not necessary. He noted that the Ministry of Transport submitted an informative report for public consultation and government approval back in February, which proposes various solutions to change or adjust these signs by September 30 of this year.
The report has been coordinated with several ministries and the State Chancellery. Kozlovskis emphasized that it is up to the Prime Minister's office to include the report on the government agenda. He acknowledged that the costs are known and the ministry is ready to cover them, but he sees no immediate need for such directions, perhaps only in the distant future.
According to the report, the plan involves improving the road sign and direction indicator system within existing funding. Municipalities will be asked to plan these measures, prioritizing signs that are outdated or can be replaced by September. A total of 235 direction indicators on state roads include names of populated places in Russia and Belarus. The total cost for replacing or adjusting them is estimated at approximately €120,000 including VAT.
The ministry also highlighted technical risks if signs are only partially modified, such as covering names, which could impair reflectivity and readability, thus affecting road safety. Therefore, a comprehensive solution is needed. On municipal roads, especially in Riga (78 signs) and Daugavpils (5 signs), similar signs exist. The ministry plans to gradually reduce the prominence of aggressor country names without requesting additional state budget funds.
