This morning, at the intersection of Gustava Zemgala Avenue and Brīvības Street, the police focused only on aggressive drivers who violate traffic rules by driving around the traffic jam using the public transport lane - i.e. on Brīvības Street, in the direction from Teika to VEF Bridge, drivers head towards the center, use the public transport lane, and after leaving it, change back to the middle lane and continue driving towards the center.
This is considered aggressive driving and can result in a fine of between €70 and €280, as well as six penalty points, which is considered a serious traffic offense.
This morning, three such drivers were stopped by the drone in the first 20 minutes or so.
As explained by Andis Ruskulis, Senior Inspector of the Technical Support Management Division of the State Police, the drone is used to make it easier to detect the offense. Also, the video footage taken by the drone is very good evidence for those drivers who try to resist and contest the offense.
"One of the most popular excuses is that people are in a hurry to get to work, or they have overslept. This is partly understandable, but in no way justifies their actions in traffic. The pilot of the drone has to look carefully at the console to see whether the alleged offender is a taxi driver, an electric car driver or a public transport, who is allowed to use the public transport lane," said Ruskulis.
This is the third such raid this year and on average around 10 offenses are recorded within two to three hours.
