Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Andrei Shorats said on Wednesday, 21 December 2016, that the city authorities are looking into limiting the entry of cars into the center of Minsk, including introduction of a fee.
“The main task is to make the public transport a more convenient, comfortable and faster travel option than private cars,” said Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee.
With respect to the congestion fee, this idea can be implemented using a ‘BelToll’ system. “Every driver will understand that by entering a certain zone, they will have to pay,” said Andrei Shorats.
Other ideas, according to Shorats, include making the journey through the city center inconvenient and to use 1st and the 2nd ring roads to reduce traffic flows. Another proposal under consideration by Minsk City Executive Committee involves restricting entry to the ring road or making it paid for the freight transport.
Before making a final decision, the city government will also study the Italian experience of the city of Turin, which is similar to Minsk in terms of the road network structure.
In addition, it is planned to allocate separate lanes for public transport on the main avenues of the capital, as it has been already done in the area of Independence Avenue from Kastrychnitskaya Square to the Circus.
Belarusian drivers are unhappy with the ‘BelToll’ system and complain about its incorrect operation.
