The Estonian government's decision to close the Koidula and Luhamaa border checkpoints at night has not diminished the number of individuals crossing the border. Since the implementation of the nighttime closures on February 24, which are set to last for three months, over 400 individuals pass through the Koidula checkpoint daily, and around 300 at Luhamaa. Recent statistics show that the volume of border crossings has remained relatively stable despite the closures, with only a slight five percent reduction in vehicle crossings compared to the previous month.

Peter Maran, the head of the PPA's southeastern border checkpoint, noted that the increased border crossing intensity reflects a steady flow of individuals, suggesting that the closures have not had the intended effect of limiting cross-border activity. By examining crossing trends over the first weeks of February and March, it appears there has been no significant drop in the number of people or vehicles crossing the border, indicating that the operational hours of the checkpoints may not be a critical factor in managing border traffic.

The nighttime closures have significantly impacted local businesses, with employees needing to cross the border each day for work. This has created additional challenges for employers and workers in the area, highlighting the interconnected nature of cross-border commerce and daily life for many residents. As the situation continues to evolve, local employers and employees are likely to seek solutions to mitigate the impact of the border closures on their operations and livelihoods.