Smoking and Talking on the Phone Will Now Get You Fined in Armenia

Issues related to public transport stops, such as taxis and other vehicles parking at bus and mini-bus stops or bus and mini-bus drivers not stopping at all stops, will be regulated by the end of March, said Road Police Chief Margar Ohanyan at a March 11 press conference, adding that it is impossible to solve the issue overnight.

According to Ohanyan, road and traffic police have increased patrol of the areas near Ayrarat (Rossiya) Cinema in Yerevan. In the coming days, police will also be monitoring the area next to Malatia Wet Market where public transport and other vehicles are often illegally parked.

“There is no single country where traffic problems can be resolved within a year,” said Ohanyan, adding that it will require a good deal of expenses to address these issues.

During the second half of this year, police will also direct their attention to those drivers who talk on the phone while driving, smoking and who throw garbage out their windows. Police will also be strictly monitoring provincial roads for these drivers, who will be fined for such acts.