VILNIUS 's January 2010 could mark the beginning of a charge for cars entering into the old town area on certain streets. The change is expected to solve parking and pollution problems and improve the quality of life of Vilnius residents and guests, the Vilnius Mayor announced.
Mayor Vilius Navickas said the move was not financially motivated.
"The target is to reduce pollution, number of traffic accidents, encourage to use public transport, go on foot, by bicycles and create the area without cars, improve conditions for special services and tourists."
"This question will be presented at the city council. I think that the council will approve the submission and the project will be seriously considered and there will be a possibility to complete it," he said.
Entry to the old town would only be possible through checkpoints on Bazilijonu, Traku, Subaciaus, Latako, Universiteto, Stuokos-Guceviciaus, Totoriu and Islandijos streets, where cars would be scanned for a pay chip.
The fee for single entry will be charged in cash or taken from a pre-paid card. A fee for long-term entry 's permissions for half year or a year 's may be charged, news agency ELTA reported.
Cars will be charged at all times of the day.
Single entry paying by a pre-paid card would cost 5 litas (1.45 euros) or 10 litas if paid in cash. Old town residents, people with movement disability and special services will only be required to install the device into their cars.
Taxis would pay 625 litas per year with annual permission for other vehicles costing 1,250 litas per year.
Navickas said the system would cost about 2.5 million litas and could start operating as of Jan. 1, 2009.
