Measurement of average speed begins in Estonia. Initially as a pilot project

From September 29 to October 8, the Transport Agency will carry out four experiments measuring average speed on the roads. This is a methodical study in which no data is collected or recorded, and no speeding fines are issued. The Data Protection Inspectorate approved the application for conducting the study.

“The purpose of the measurement is to determine whether exceeding the average speed is a problem in Estonia. Existing speed camera measuring cabins and installed measuring systems will be used to conduct the study,” said Priit Sauk, Director General of the Transport Agency. “Our goal is to find new and effective measures to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries.” 

The measurements will take place during daylight hours:
•    On the Tallinn-Narva road, on a 4.4 kilometer section (km 177.2-172.8) in the direction of Tallinn, 
•    On the Tallinn-Tartu road, on a 4.9 kilometer section (km 94.9-88.8) in the direction of Tallinn, 
•    On the Tallinn-Pärnu road, on a 9 kilometer section (km 111.1-120.2) in the direction of Pärnu, and 
•    On the Ääsmäe-Haapsalu road, on a 13 kilometer section (16.1-3.1) in the direction of Ääsmäe. 

The measurement locations are indicated by traffic signs and information boards installed before the start of each section. The locations of the sections are also visible in the Intelligent Road application and on the Transport Agency’s website.

No cases will be forwarded for processing under the pilot project, even if the speed camera detects a vehicle exceeding the momentary speed limit. The flashlights of the cameras participating in the pilot project are turned off and there are no red flashes associated with the operation of the camera.

The data will be processed as follows in the project: the registration mark of the motor vehicle entering and exiting the test section for measuring the average speed will be recorded on the recording by the speed camera, and the registration mark will be automatically identified and converted to machine-readable form using information technology software. The registration mark converted to machine-readable form will be pseudonymized without human intervention. The pseudonymization key and created recordings will be destroyed.

The registration mark of the vehicle is not used to identify the vehicle’s data and to identify the owner or responsible user of the vehicle. No queries are made to registers, databases, and information systems during the pilot project, and the created recordings are not transmitted to any other data repository or information system.

The results of the pilot project will be available in the second half of November. The purpose of the measurements is not to find possibilities for processing and punishment, but to assess the relevance of one measure for improving road safety and to test its implementation.

In August, the Transport Agency commissioned the study “Driving a Vehicle,” which asked respondents about their attitude towards measuring average speed on the road for the purpose of increasing traffic safety, if the measuring system excludes data collection for other purposes. 65% of all respondents and 61% of drivers responded positively. Among those who responded negatively, the majority were men aged 25-34 who partially or always exceed the speed limit. 

Road users can ask questions related to the pilot project by calling the Transport Agency’s information telephone number 620 1200 or by sending their inquiries to the email address info@transpordiamet.ee. 

Photo of installed traffic signs.

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the average speed measurement pilot project.