Erbil traffic authority cracks down on vehicle pollution

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Erbil Traffic Authority has issued a stern warning, stating that vehicles emitting excessive smoke and polluting the environment will face seizure and legal scrutiny.

Colonel Hemen Amin, spokesperson for the Erbil General Directorate of Traffic, disclosed to Kurdistan24 on Saturday, April 27, 2024, that drivers were previously cautioned about the repercussions of operating vehicles that emit harmful smoke, particularly trucks. He affirmed that the warning remains in effect, with Erbil Traffic police actively enforcing penalties against offenders.

"The directive remains in force, and our teams will impound and investigate vehicles emitting excessive smoke on a daily basis," stated Colonel Amin.

He further noted that a significant number of vehicles have already been confiscated for violating environmental regulations.

In a bid to preserve the cleanliness of the city environment and impose stringent regulations on vehicles, particularly trucks, the Erbil Traffic Directorate issued a warning on September 11, 2023. The directive explicitly instructed all drivers and vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles do not emit smoke or harmful gases.

Moreover, vehicle owners were granted until November 20, 2023, to rectify any issues and repair their vehicles. Following this deadline, any vehicle found emitting smoke or toxic gases on the roads would be promptly confiscated by traffic police officers and personnel, with owners compelled to undertake necessary repairs.