Belarus may establish a unified national operator for intelligent transport systems. The issue of the feasibility of its creation was submitted for consideration at a meeting of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko with the leadership of the Council of Ministers, a BELTA correspondent reports.
Speaking about the improvement of transport infrastructure, the President mentioned that over a year ago, an investor approached him with a proposal to create a unified national operator. It was proposed to consolidate all existing intelligent transport systems in the country (toll roads, parking systems, weight and dimension control, photo-detection systems for violations) under its umbrella.
"It was instructed to work out this issue in detail within the government. Naturally, exclusively in the state's interests. At least to make things better than they are now, and for this to be reflected in finances. Because if we are to carry out the digital transformation of transport infrastructure, it should be done in the most advanced and user-friendly way," stressed Alexander Lukashenko.
He cited the situation with parking as an example: "For instance, everyone knows that we have complete chaos regarding parking, especially in the capital. In our most populated city, Minsk, there are many people who like to shove their cars anywhere. Even with paid zones located throughout the center, there are citizens who will park their car there but won't pay, meaning there is no payment discipline. And there are no proposals to establish it either."
A similar situation, according to the head of state, exists with compliance with weight restrictions on roads. Inspectors identify tens of thousands of violations annually. "And yet, this is about the preservation of our roads, which heavy transport
"simply destroys," the President noted.
"Therefore, the main question is this: will a single national operator truly strengthen road and public safety, and also be able to increase financial and technological discipline? If so, what volume of investment will be required to implement the project? What are the payback periods? Have future budget revenues been calculated? - Alexander Lukashenko outlined a number of questions. - For now, I see that there is no clear and unambiguous answer to the questions posed. Therefore, I ask you to report what benefits the proposed consolidation of systems brings to the country. How reliable are the economic effects predicted by the investor? Or is the main growth factor in his business plan an increase in tariffs?"
The Head of State also inquired by what means the savings of budget funds, declared by the investor, can be achieved.
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