Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.22 / Trend E. Ismayilov /
Fines for violation of cargo transportation norms on Azerbaijan's highways will be increased in the coming days, Azerbaijani Transport Ministry Azeryolservis head Javid Gurbanov said on Tuesday.
He said that billions of manat have been spent for construction and reconstruction of highways. In Azerbaijan, there are several highways which are almost completely reconstructed, and in the first place, it is the route of the Silk Road, which is the largest transit road. But because of violation of cargo transportation rules, the excess loading of vehicles, particularly trucks, roads may fall into disrepair.
"Perhaps fines will be increased to prevent it on these days," Gurbanov said.
He said that major fines will be applied both to cargo owners and drivers, in accordance with the Code of Administrative Violations.
"We cannot allow the destruction of roads due to someone's interests," Gurbanov said.
According to him, 3-3.5 billion manat has been spent for road construction and reconstruction during 6 years, one billion manat of which fell on international borrowing, while the remaining funds were allocated from the state budget.
The official exchange rate is 0.7946 manat to $1 on Feb.22.