Advance booking service for border traffic can continue

On 29 June 2021, the President of the Republic approved the Act amending the Act on Transport Services. It will enter into force on 1 July 2021. The amendment provides for a continuation of the advance booking service in Vaalimaa and for its extension to other road border crossing stations between Finland and Russia.

The purpose of the advance booking service is to streamline goods transport operations on the border crossing stations between Finland and Russia. Using the service the driver will book in advance a time for the border check.

A new section has been included in the Act on Transport Services on the control and management of goods transport at road border crossing stations between Finland and Russia. As part of its task of ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, the provider of road traffic control and management services can offer these services for goods traffic arriving at border crossing stations as well as for the purpose of ensuring the smooth flow of the related customs measures and border checks.

As the data controller, the service provider may process personal data relating to the matter. It is possible to collect data in the information system by automatic identification of a registration number or other unique identifier.

What next

A pilot project on advance booking service for goods transport, which started in 2014, was completed in Vaalimaa in April 2021. Since the project achieved its goals on streamlining goods transport operations, the amendment entering into force on 1 July 2021 will allow the service to become a permanent practice.

Inquiries:

Matleena Kurki-Suutarinen, Senior Government Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2042