The volume of freight transport to Russia and Belarus is declining significantly
Published: 14.03.2022
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The volume of freight transport by road to Russia and Belarus is declining significantly, Kristiāns Godiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Road Transport Administration, said in an interview with Latvian Television's "Morning Panorama" programme on Monday.
He noted that freight transport to Russia and Belarus is continuing at present, but according to the latest data, a significant decrease in volumes can be observed. In particular, the number of freight transport permits to Belarus fell by 20% last week compared with the previous week, while the number for Russia fell by 33%.
"This trend is most likely to continue," Godiņš said, adding that most of the transport consists either of transit freight or postal shipments.
Godiņš also mentioned that freight carriers have to spend a very long time at the border with Russia and Belarus. In particular, when entering Latvia from Russia, they may have to spend as many as 10–12 days in the border queue at Terehova and 8–10 days at Grebņeva, while when entering from Belarus, they have to spend six days in the queue at the Silene border crossing point and four days at Pāternieki.
"This complicates transport and also makes it more expensive," added the Chairman of the Board of the Road Transport Administration.
Godiņš also stated that, according to the latest data, 11 vehicles belonging to five freight carriers are currently in Ukraine.
He also noted that all Latvian citizen drivers have left Ukraine, while a relatively large number of drivers held Belarusian or Ukrainian citizenship. At present, approximately 10 drivers who are Belarusian or Ukrainian citizens remain in Ukraine. Some of the Ukrainian citizens have enlisted for service, while Belarusian citizens are not being allowed to leave Ukraine.
Meanwhile, according to Godiņš, one driver is continuing to receive hospital treatment for a gunshot wound.
The Road Transport Administration implements unified state policy in the field of international transport, licensing of commercial road transport businesses, and public transport planning.
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