Time is money. That, at least, is the Principle behind an innovative scheme being tested in Estonia to deal with dangerous driving. During trials that began in 2019, anyone caught speeding along the rad between Tallinn and the town of Rapla was Stopped and given a choice. They could pay a fine, as usual, or take a “timeout” instead - waiting for 45 minutes or an hour, depending on how fast they were going when stopped. In other words, they could pay the fine in time rather than money.
The aim of the experiment was to see how drivers perceive speeding, and whether loss of time might be a stronger deterrent than loss of money. The project is a collaboration between Estonia’s Home Office and the Police force, and is part of a programme designed to encourage innovation in public services. Government teams pose a problem they would like to solve - such as traffic accidents caused by irresponsible driving - and work under the guidance of an innovation unit. Teams are expected to do all fieldwork and interviews themselves.
