Tehran Bans Polluting Trucks

To prevent the recurrence of heavy smog in the capital, all dilapidated (over 20 years of age) and polluting trucks, as well as those lacking technical inspection certificates, have been banned from entering Tehran or plying on its roads until Jan. 19.

The decision was made by the workgroup headed by Mohammad Hossein Moqimi, Tehran's governor general, to reduce Tehran's air pollution during a meeting on Sunday, IRNA reported.

Kioumars Kalantari, the head of the provincial office of the Department of Environment, said the police will impound such vehicles upon entry.

He did not mention what standards will be used for impounding polluting trucks.

"As air quality has improved recently, no decision was made for the closure of schools and increasing traffic restrictions," he said, adding that Iran Meteorological Organization has forecast better conditions in the coming days.

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Mehmandar, Tehran's Traffic Police chief, said old and polluting trucks will not only be fined 450,000 rials ($10), but will also be impounded as of Dec. 24.