MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – Vehicle-related air pollution in Belarus decreased by 5% in 2016 over last year, Belarusian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Andrei Kovkhuto said in an interview with the SB. Belarus Segodnya newspaper on 25 February, BelTA has learned.
“We see that the measures we take bring positive results. For instance, gross emissions produced by vehicles decreased by 5% last year. Although 760,000 tonnes is still a lot. But, on the other hand, the number of vehicles is also growing. Still we have managed to slightly decrease air pollution. Total emissions to the atmosphere exceeded 1 million tonnes,” Andrei Kovkhuto noted.
One of the ways to resolve the problem is setting up more park and ride facilities. According to the minister, the public transport system should also be developed further. “Belarusians are not likely to electromobiles any time soon. Though, if we readjust the car rental system, the idea can be quite viable,” Andrei Kovkhuto clarified.
