Bill to Amend the Traffic Act and the Police and Border Guard Act (429 SE), First Reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-15 23:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 5
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 6m
AI Summaries: 5/5 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu held the first reading of Bill 429, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Traffic Act and the Police and Border Guard Act. The aim of the bill is to increase the safety of less protected road users and to establish clearer rules for the use of light personal transporters. Minister of Climate Kristen Michal introduced the content of the bill, emphasizing the right of local governments to establish parking and speed restrictions for rented light personal transporters, and the introduction of a new 0.5 per mille alcohol limit for the drivers of light personal transporters, cyclists, and micro-mopeds. Significant changes also highlighted include the required 1.5-meter lateral distance when motor vehicles overtake, and the prohibition of stopping on sidewalks without a corresponding traffic sign. Furthermore, the maximum fine rates for violating stopping and parking requirements will increase. The lead committee, the Economic Affairs Committee, presented its positions through Mario Kadastik, who noted that during the discussion, the implementation date of the bill and the practical application of the 1.5-meter lateral distance requirement were addressed. Debates were not opened, and the first reading was concluded by consensus.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 429 (Draft Act amending the Road Traffic Act and the Police and Border Guard Act) was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendment proposals was set for May 22, 2024, at 17:15.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu moves on to the next item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Government-initiated Bill 429, amending the Traffic Act and the Police and Border Guard Act, and Minister of Climate Kristen Michal is invited to give the report.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The draft amendment to the Traffic Act and the Border Guard Act, presented before the Riigikogu, aims to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users and establish clearer, more specific regulations governing the use and rental of light personal transporters, small mopeds, and bicycles. Furthermore, it seeks to introduce a 0.5 per mille alcohol limit for drivers, mandate a 1.5-meter safety distance during overtaking, clarify parking and stopping requirements (parallel to the edge of the light traffic path and no further than 0.2 meters), prohibit stopping on sidewalks without designated markings, increase the penalty rates for infractions, grant local authorities the right to restrict or organize parking and usage conditions, and merge the speed camera database with the police database to achieve state cost savings and ensure improved traffic safety.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and noted that the presentation had been so comprehensive that no questions arose. He added that the views and decisions of the leading committee would be introduced by Mario Kadastik, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Economic Affairs Committee discussed the draft bill in two sessions, appointed Mario Kadastik as the representative of the lead committee, adopted May 15th for the agenda, and confirmed January 1, 2025, as the date of entry into force, while also deliberating on earlier implementation during the summer period. Additionally, topics concerning the lateral distance requirement, the 1.5-meter lateral distance, X-Road, and speed cameras were addressed—issues that do not pertain to the current draft bill and will be resolved later within the Traffic Act. Finally, it was decided to conclude the first reading by consensus and to set the deadline for proposed amendments at five working days.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced the opening of negotiations to the factions, closed them, and stated that the first reading of Bill 429 was concluded. He added that the deadline for submitting amendments is May 22nd at 5:15 PM. He thanked the minister and wished him success in his future appearances.