New Border System in Narva Undergoes Fine-Tuning
The new electronic queuing system introduced on August 1 for automobiles crossing the Estonian-Russian border in Narva is being fine-tuned in the course of routine work.
Despite initial problems, things have started moving and the queue of trucks that impeded traffic flow on the highway has disappeared, ETV reported. The queue of regular cars remains, but returning tourists and Estonian businessmen working in Russia will now be given priority to cross the border.
On August 8, the first opening for a border crossing at the Narva checkpoint over the electronic booking system was for August 17. People who wish to cross the border without having made a booking must wait in line.
"Currently, the queue in Narva contains approximately 200 B-category vehicles. If you get in the line now, crossing the border will take about 24 hours," said Hannes Plinte, member of the board of Girf OÜ who represents the GoSwift electronic booking system.
According to the Accommodation Manager of the Narva-Jõesuu SPA Hotel Viktor Abramson, the new electronic queuing system seemed daunting first and foremost to those Russian tourists who come to Estonia on their days off and who are unable to find a suitable time for returning home in the booking system.
However, this issue should by now be solved, because it was decided last week that sensitive client groups, for instance, Estonian businessmen working in Russia and Russian tourists returning home, will be given priority to cross the border at the checkpoint.
"It will all fall into place in two to four weeks. The chickens should be counted in September," said Plinte.
Sigrid Maasen