The "Belarus" tractor becomes the bane of Vitebsk traffic violators

May 8, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. A "Belarus" tractor with police markings is becoming a real nightmare for Vitebsk drivers who violate traffic rules. The traffic police department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Internal Affairs Directorate has received its first tow truck, Yuri Demidov, head of the inter-district department of environmental supervision of the traffic police, told BELTA correspondent. Until recently, traffic police inspectors in the 330,000-strong regional center could not tow violating vehicles. The acquisition of special equipment became possible thanks to funds allocated from the regional budget. The tractor-tow truck not only cruises the city streets but also, to the delight of residents of apartment buildings, is a frequent visitor to courtyards where green spaces are used as parking lots. Improperly parked cars are taken to the traffic police impound lot, from where their owners retrieve them after paying the fine and parking fees. However, car enthusiasts more often save their "iron horses" right in the courtyard: they pay the fine and park their cars correctly. According to Yuri Demidov, another tractor-tow truck may appear in the city in the near future. Meanwhile, the problem of parking spaces is quite acute in the city. As reported by the housing and communal services department of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, there are just over 30 paid parking lots and about 70 parking spaces in the regional center. Guest parking lots located in the courtyards of apartment buildings can no longer accommodate all the vehicles of residents, especially in old neighborhoods. Previously, parking spaces in courtyards were designed for 1 car per 3 apartments. Now, when almost 82,000 passenger cars are registered in Vitebsk alone, the shortage of spaces is becoming a pressing issue. According to specialists from the department, during the major renovation of old courtyards, housing management organizations take into account the growth of citizens' vehicle fleets. The roadway in courtyards is being expanded from 3 to 5.5 meters, and new parking spaces are being equipped. -0-