The Department of Environmental Protection has purchased the first equipment to measure car pollution, and promises to start inspections later this spring.
"We intend to start the inspections in the spring, after the warmer weather has settled, when the available equipment is more accurate," department spokeswoman Renata Surovec told BNS this week.
According to her, last December, the department purchased a set of pollution analyzers, one for diesel cars and the other for gasoline and gas cars.
"Since there are five boards in the Department of Environmental Protection, more sets are planned to be purchased this year," said R. Surovec.
According to the representative of the department, the price of one set starts at 13,5 thousand. up to 15 thousand euros.
After the amendments to the law came into force on January 1, environmentalists can stop and measure the pollution of vehicles on the roads without the participation of officials from other institutions.
Representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection then told BNS that due to the cold weather, they are not conducting inspections yet.
If the vehicle's emissions are found to exceed the norm, or if there is any leakage of liquid (e.g. lubricants, fuel) that may cause damage to the environment or endanger other road users, the vehicle's MOT will be cancelled.
The operation of vehicles, the amount of pollutants emitted into the ambient air exceeds the norms, is subject to a fine of 100-300 euros, managers of legal entities or other responsible persons - a fine of 300-500 euros.
According to the department, fines for environmental pollution with hazardous chemicals and chemical mixtures amount to 60-120 euros for individuals, and 150-300 euros for managers of legal entities or other responsible persons.
During the year, the Department of Environmental Protection plans to check approximately 9 up to 15 thousand cars.
Author Augustas Stankevičius
