5,738 emission violations detected in largest cities in nine months - Environment Ministry

The Georgian Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture on Thursday said professionals of its Department of Environmental Supervision had detected 5,738 violations of vehicle emissions over the past nine months in the largest cities of the country, following the approval of regulations and inspection procedures in September. 

Measured in capital Tbilisi, nearby city of Rustavi and western cities of Kutaisi and Batumi, the Department issued fines to legal entities and individuals, with most of the numbers - 2,742 - coming on Tbilisi.

Violations in Kutaisi were identified with 1,147 individuals and entities issued penalties, with the number standing at 982 for Batumi and 867 for Rustavi.

The body issued 3,542 fines to car drivers, 1,944 to minibus operators, 245 to truck drivers and seven for bus drivers. Out of the 5,738 offenders, 5,006 were individuals and 732 legal entities.

The department said ₾100 ($35) fines were issued to individuals for initial violations, ₾300 ($105) for second offence and ₾600 ($210) for third offence.

The fine for legal entities stands at ₾500 ($175), ₾1500 ($527) and ₾3000 ($1054) respectively. The amounts are reduced by 20 percent if the fines are paid within 10 days.