Riga

European region

Northern Europe

City size

Medium

Pilot objective

Test the usability and user acceptance of a digital platform for requesting, issuing and managing access permits for logistics operators and local authorities, and assess its potential application to future restricted-access areas in Riga.

Solutions Tested in Real Life Demonstration

KER6

Active UVARs and City Regulations Tool

Pilot Focus

The implementation focuses on demonstrating and testing the user acceptance for a permit request and management platform for logistics operators and local authorities. The demonstration includes the use of a web-based platform for permit handling and a mobile app for route planning and permit requests. Testing was carried out internally and in cooperation with "Pasts" (Latvian national postal operator), including practical test runs with cargo vehicles on their premises to assess the tool under real conditions. Functionalities tested included the logistics operators' permit request platform, a mobile app for permit requesting and route planning, and a local administration platform for managing permit requests from logistics operators.

What worked

What worked during the demonstration?

The tool frontend for logistics operators, backend for the Municipality and application were tested technically, and there was one successful test ride with "Pasts" (Latvian National Post Company). The testing phase demonstrated the potential of digitalizing access permit management. The tool fostered closer cooperation between logistics operators and municipal departments, increased confidence in data-driven decision-making, and provided practical experience with smarter and more efficient urban freight management.
Although the tool is lacking some functionality, it could be implemented at the city level for regulation of restricted/limited entrance zones, especially where the zone is not very substantial.

Challenges

What were the challenges and barriers?

The lack of active UVARs in the city was a challenge that prevented measuring the impact of the solution.
Lack of political support.

Factors to assess for replication & required adaptations

Governance & Regulation

Riga currently lacks a mature legal/regulatory framework for dynamic UVARs, and further regulatory development is needed before the solution can be fully implemented or scaled.

High replicability

Assess the existing legal framework and establish a clear legal basis for dynamic UVARs before deploying.

Technical & Data Readiness

Data interoperability between systems remains challenging.

Medium replicability

Assess the availability, quality and compatibility of local data and systems.

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Alignment

Close collaboration between developers and city authorities is important.

High replicability

Identify relevant stakeholders and establish regular communication between city authorities, developers and other actors. Ensure that local regulations and operational needs are understood by the solution provider.

City Capacity & Operations

Implementation requires sufficient internal capacity and knowledge to work with the solution.

Medium replicability

Assess internal skills, staffing and operational capacity. Provide training or external technical support where necessary.

Political & Institutional Support

Political support and cross-departmental cooperation are important when implementation depends on introducing or adapting access regulations and associated municipal processes.

High replicability

Secure political and institutional support early and involve all relevant municipal departments in defining the regulatory and operational framework for implementation.

Key lessons learned

Main takeaways from implementation

Involvement of a technical local partner to support the implementation and on-site testing is beneficial.
Close collaboration with the solution provider is key to securing a successful implementation of the pilot.
Having political support and cross-collaboration with different departments in the city is instrumental.
Local freight realities require flexibility in how regulations are applied.

Recommendations

Action-oriented advice for future adopters

Cities would benefit from having regulatory and enforcement readiness before deploying a dynamic UVARs system.
Working closely with the solution provider to make sure the tool is compliant with local regulations helps in avoiding bottlenecks.
Where no active UVAR exists, use controlled testing to validate technical functionality and user acceptance, while recognising that the full operational impact can only be assessed once an applicable access-regulation framework is in place.