The clock strikes 9:45 and the police set off in their unmarked car. The way leads along Brīvības Street towards Jugla, and the law enforcement officers are looking at the drivers alongside them, checking for phone use and seat belt use. Soon, a driver is spotted who is not following the rules.
Inspector: "Why didn't we buckle up, Ivars?"
Driver Ivars: "I just, just got in."
Inspector: "You've been driving for a while, it's not just, just. As soon as you get in, it's a click! (..) Do you often forget?"
Driver: "A lot of work, you have to run all the time."
The driver allegedly forgot his seat belt. He admitted the offense and received a minimum fine of €30.
Police officers say that people have become more aware and seat belts are mostly worn. The police continue their raid along the Vidzeme highway and meet the next offender 25 minutes later.
Inspector: "Looking at the road signs?"
Driver: "Yes, we usually do. I saw, yes, it was 90."
Inspector: "Yes, and you were going faster, much faster. Why are we running?"
Driver: "To the countryside"
Inspector: "The countryside isn't going anywhere!"
The driver was fined 80 euros.
Law enforcement officers described the morning as calm. Usually there are more accidents in the mornings, but not this time. This can also be explained by the "Roadpol" campaign, as drivers have become more careful this week.
On the way back to Riga, a car approached the officers on the Vidzeme motorway at 143 kilometers per hour. The driver was fined €40.
The police raid continued along the Tallinn Highway. There, a Polish long-distance driver committed two offenses: he started overtaking at the solid line and obstructed oncoming traffic. It was difficult for the police to talk to him as he claimed he had no e-mail address and no declared place of residence. In addition, he believed that he had been stopped in a dangerous place and would complain about it.
During the two and a half hour raid, the officers recorded four offences, but this is not surprising. One of the officers said that the fines are higher but nothing changes "we could impose cosmic fines but they would still break the rules".
From Monday September 16 to Sunday September 22 , the European Union Member States, including Latvia, are hosting the annual "Roadpol" action of the European Road Policing Network, during which traffic monitoring is stepped up.
