Georgia: Special location for taxi stops will be set up in the vicinity of the lane for minibus traffic. The Committee on Regional Policy and Self-Government addressed the relevant legislative amendments in the first reading.
Under the change, taxis will be allowed to legally drop off customers in specially arranged areas, ensuring that both traffic and passengers are safe.
The major purpose of the legislative change, according to MP Maia Bitadze, is to control the safe movement of people to and from the bus lane, one of the critical stages of the capital’s transportation strategy, and to strengthen the parking system.
“The legislative package consists of several main directions, the first and most significant of which is the issue of the legality of traffic in the taxi lane.
Bus lanes will be set up in stages on all avenues; therefore, it is somewhat challenging for taxis to pick up and drop off passengers. Under the current legislation, taxis are subject to fines for stopping at a bus lane.
“Therefore, in accordance with the amendments to the Local Self-Government Code and other bills of the package, the municipality will be able to designate special places for taxis in the vicinity of the bus lanes, where they will be able to drop off passengers legally,” the MP said.
According to Maia Bitadze, the change also includes the adjustment of fines introduction of new fines in cases that hinder the proper functioning of the parking system. According to the bill, the fine will be increased from 10 to 50 GEL if stopping or standing on the sidewalk or pedestrian path. Also, in case of violation of parking rules, the vehicle will be transferred to a specially protected parking lot.
Following the discussion, the Committee supported the bills submitted by the Parliamentary Faction “Georgian Dream” on amendments to the Law of Georgia on Road Traffic, the Amendment to the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia and the draft Law on Organic Law of Georgia. Code on Amendments.
