Agenda Profile: Urve Tiidus
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (616 SE) - first reading
2025-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Representing the majority view of the committee, the speaker proposes rejecting the specific draft bill (616 SE) (6 in favor, 5 against), even while acknowledging the legitimacy of the issue and the need to continue addressing it. The political focus is on regulating the rental service for light personal mobility devices, favoring flexible measures (such as geo-restrictions and designated parking areas) over rigid quota requirements. The government’s position is to support the implementation of existing regulations before drafting new legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits detailed knowledge of traffic law regulations, particularly the powers delegated to local municipalities (LGUs) (§ 190), as well as the technical measures used to regulate rental vehicles (quotas, geo-fencing). They provide precise data on the committee's voting outcomes and the content of the discussion, and reference accident statistics. They are also up-to-date on the pace of legislative processes and the organizational rules for major events (the Song Festival).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal and neutral, concentrating on the transmission of the commission's discussions and the positions held by various stakeholders (the ministry, local authorities). The tone is analytical, grounded in summaries of arguments and counterarguments (for instance, the administrative burden associated with quota requirements). When expressing a personal opinion, the tone shifts to become more sympathetic, recognizing the validity of the concerns and encouraging young people to develop technical solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's primary mode of operation is presenting the discussion and decisions of the Economic Affairs Committee (which took place on May 19th) to the Riigikogu plenary session. They represent the committee's position and answer questions concerning both procedural and substantive aspects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at a specific bill (616 SE), not individuals, and is grounded in political and procedural criticism. The speaker relays the Ministry of Climate's opposition, which criticizes the quota requirement as a blanket prohibition that is overly rigid and increases the administrative burden. It is also emphasized that age restrictions should be established based on law, not a local government regulation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the extensive consultation conducted within the committee, involving the initiators of the draft bill (Jaak Aab), the ministry (Hindrek Allvee), and representatives of the City of Tallinn (Kristjan Järvan). Successful goodwill agreements reached by other local governments (Pärnu, Tartu) with rental operators are also mentioned, pointing to the potential for flexible cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The discussion has focused heavily on the problems in the city of Tallinn concerning the large number of light personal mobility devices (or e-scooters) and the resulting traffic congestion. Other local municipalities (Pärnu, Tartu) are mentioned only as examples where agreements have been reached with rental operators through negotiation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker relays concern that the rigid quota requirement would lead to an increase in the administrative burden for entrepreneurs and local governments. The view is also expressed that the quota system may negatively affect the use of sustainable modes of transport, by directing vehicles only to the busiest areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is traffic safety and accident reduction, especially concerning the minimopeds and light personal vehicles that have appeared on the streets. The question of imposing age restrictions is also being addressed, with emphasis placed on the fact that this must be resolved at the legislative level.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on prioritizing the implementation of the existing Traffic Act (especially § 190) over new, rigid regulations. The goal is to grant local governments (LGUs) the right to organize light traffic, but flexible measures (parking zones, speed limits) are preferred over a quota system. The speaker supports rejecting the draft bill in order to allow time for assessing the implementation practice of existing measures.
3 Speeches Analyzed