Tengrinews.kz - Almaty authorities are planning to implement low-emission zones where entry for older vehicles will be subject to a fee. This was announced by akim (governor) Erbolat Dossaev during a meeting with residents of the Medeu District.
According to Dossaev, the city's transport infrastructure is expected to be ready by the end of 2026, and from 2027, restrictions will come into effect for vehicles that do not meet modern environmental standards.
"They keep telling me about New York that their traffic in upper and lower Manhattan has decreased because they have introduced a corresponding fee. But New York has been preparing for this for many years to introduce it. We assume that if the basis of the transport framework is in place by the end of 2026, we will introduce the first restrictions in 2027. But they will be through payment. Let's say a car is registered in Almaty, but it does not operate according to modern standards. Accordingly, entry into certain areas, for example, the Eastern Bypass Road from the east, will probably be on a paid basis. For those who drive electric cars and new cars, then, of course, these will be free rides," Dossaev said.
The akim noted that owners of electric and new vehicles will be able to enter these zones free of charge.
Earlier, we reported that parking fees in Almaty are set to increase this summer.
"This year, starting in the summer. Some measures will be implemented from July 1, some - from August 1. Firstly, we will significantly increase the cost of parking, as they do in large cities," Dossaev said.
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