Latvia Plans to Remove Road Signs Pointing to Russia and Belarus
Latvia's Transport Ministry aims to modify or replace road signs indicating destinations in Russia and Belarus by September 30. The cost is estimated at around €120,000.
Latvia intends to do away with road signs that provide directions to Russia and Belarus. Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis stated in an interview that such signs are currently unnecessary.
In February, the ministry submitted an informational report for public consultation and government approval, proposing various solutions to change and adjust road sign references to these countries by September 30. The report has been coordinated with multiple ministries and the State Chancellery.
On state roads, 235 directional and informational signs include names of localities in Russia and Belarus. Partial correction of large directional signs and full replacement of those with Russian or Belarusian names would cost approximately €120,000 including VAT. This sum also covers potential additional expenses related to traffic organization changes.
The ministry notes that partial modifications, such as covering names, could create uneven reflective surfaces and reduce traffic safety. Therefore, a comprehensive solution is needed.
Such signs also exist on municipal roads. In Riga, 78 directional signs point to Russia and Belarus, mainly on the Vidzeme, Daugavpils, Bauska, and Jelgava highways. Daugavpils has five such signs.
The ministry plans to gradually reduce emphasis on aggressor country locality names on road signs without requesting additional state budget funding. On state roads, signs must be covered or replaced by September 30. Municipalities are called upon to ensure replacement during their road maintenance work.
