19:43, 19 November 2013

State Duma adopts in first reading the bill on fines for driving on "Olympic lanes"

Sochi, road junction in Kudepsta village. Photo by Svetlana Kravchenko for the "Caucasian Knot"

The MPs of the Russian State Duma have approved, in the first reading, the bill that introduces temporary fines for vehicular traffic on special "Olympic lanes" during the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi.

After a successful first reading vote, Vladimir Pligin, the chairman of the respective Duma committee, said that the MPs are going to finally adopt the document by the end of the fall session, that is, before December 20, the RIA "Novosti" reports.

According to the bill, the movement of motorists on the road or lane intended for Olympic vehicles, as well as a stop on them, will be punished by a fine of 5000 roubles and confiscation of the state registration plates. For ignoring the "Olympic" marking and special road signs, drivers will pay 3000 roubles.

The changes are introduced for the duration of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, namely, from January 7 to March 21, 2014.

Let us remind you that for the time of the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russian President has decreed a restricted access of motor vehicles to the city.