MINSK, 2 September (BelTA) – Automobile traffic in Minsk streets will be reduced by building a network of intercept parking lots. The relevant plans were discussed when Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was informed about the city's development prospects on 2 September, BelTA has learned.
According to Chairman of the Architecture and Urban Planning Committee of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Chief Architect of Minsk Pavel Luchinovich, plans have been made to build 14 multilevel underground parking lots at various entrances into the city. “Apart from that, we are going to limit traffic in Minsk's downtown using the same principle. In other words, intercept parking lots will be established near metro stations in the center of the city and near large railway stations,” said the official.
Alexander Lukashenko noted: “If you are going to go ahead with the plans, you need a unified and standardized design. We should calculate once more how much it will cost.”
The President agreed it is necessary to encourage motorists to use the parking lots. “Price is the primary driver. We need an acceptable one,” said the head of state. “If the price is minimal, they are not going to leave their cars there if they can leave them anywhere else in the city.”
Alexander Lukashenko called for a careful approach to the matter. Using the experience of other capital cities among other things is a good idea. “We need wise proposals to avoid antagonizing the population. We want motorists to understand the ideas behind the parking lots and the prices. The price has to be acceptable,” said the President.
“We should enable conditions that will convince Minsk residents that it is more comfortable and convenient to use the mass transit system instead of their own cars,” noted Pavel Luchinovich.
