Prague will start measuring air pollution from cars at road stops

Prague currently does not check emission compliance on moving vehicles, but that is changing.

City representatives, Municipal Police and Technical Inspection Stations (STK) signed a memorandum of cooperation that will allow for cars to be inspected while they are in operation. A particular problem is cars with particulate filters removed or damaged.

“Cars with the
particulate filters removed or not working account for the largest
share. These will be the focus of regular checks. Cars that do not
meet the relevant emission limits have nothing to do with the streets
of Prague,” he added.

The city is
purchasing several special mobile measuring devices, which will be
handed over to the police for use in roadside inspections to detect
possible defects in the inspected vehicles.

“The declared
cooperation of all interested parties will undoubtedly contribute to
the overall improvement of both road safety itself and conditions for
a better life for Prague residents and visitors to the capital,”
Regional Police director Tomáš Lerch said.

If a serious or dangerous problem is found, the vehicle’s driver is subject to a fine of up to 2,000 CZK on the spot and up to 2,500 CZK in administrative proceedings. At the same time, the technical capability of the vehicle is limited to 30 days in the event of a serious fault, and the vehicle loses its technical capability at the inspection site if it is unsafe. Following the correction of the problem, the vehicle must be inspected at a technical inspection station.

Fines can rise up to
50,000 CZK for people and 100,000 CZK for legal entities, as well as
a driving ban for up to a year.

“These inpsections
have been under discussion for a long time, and we have now found a
solution that is practical and will not disrupt traffic in the
streets of the metropolis. On the contrary, I believe that it will
improve the quality of life of Praguers,” Hlubuček said.

The inspection
project is not limited in time and will be evaluated as it proceeds.