Feb 19 • 05:36 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

The police will catch traffic light 'thieves' with a drone

In Tartu, police plan to use a drone to catch drivers ignoring traffic lights, building on the success of traffic cameras in Tallinn.

The police in Tartu, Estonia, have announced their plans to employ drones to identify and catch motorists who disregard traffic signals. This initiative follows the success seen in Tallinn, where traffic cameras have already been deployed at two intersections to monitor violations. The statistics reveal that last year, Tartu intersections were among the top locations for red light violations, highlighting a persistent issue in traffic safety in the city.

Key data indicates that the highest number of infractions occurred near Riia 37 in Tartu, with 179 violations recorded. Other problem areas included Riia tn 26 and Narva mnt 149, underscoring a pattern of behavior among local drivers. The police's statistics suggest a significantly higher incidence of violations in Tartu compared to Tallinn, where only two intersections are equipped with traffic cameras capable of documenting such infringements.

The rollout of drone technology signifies a proactive approach by law enforcement to enhance traffic safety and deter violations. With the substantial increase in recorded offenses - from 163 to 2002 within a year at one intersection alone - the police aim to improve compliance with traffic regulations. This strategy could lead to more stringent enforcement and hopefully a decrease in traffic incidents involving red light violations, improving overall road safety in the region.

📡 Similar Coverage