Deputy Mayor: No Promise of 'Red Lines' Disappearing Was Made During 2018 Revolution

During the protests that began in 2018, there was a battle against speed cameras and red zones, with protesters using cloth to cover the cameras. What is currently being proposed for discussion is in direct contradiction to what was said back then. Manuk Sukiasyan, the leader of the 'Mother Armenia' faction in the Yerevan City Council, made this remark today, December 1, during a meeting at the Yerevan municipality about the increase in parking fees.

“The question arises, was this populism? Did you not understand that red lines are still necessary? Or you need to decide what it was. The ruling power said one thing, and during this time, not only did they fail to act on it, but they are now saying that there is currently no other option. Let's limit parking in the center and see what the results are,” he stated. “Many people's workplaces are in the center, transport is not functioning well, and there is no unified ticketing system. How much money does a person need to earn just to afford to commute to work?”

Deputy Mayor Suren Grigoryan responded, “The promise of 'red lines' disappearing was not made during the 2018 revolution. The Prime Minister clarified this around four years ago. I do not want to believe you know this and are intentionally trying to reintroduce that thesis into the media space.”

He recalled that at one time, it was decided to temporarily suspend the functioning of speed cameras, which led to widespread public discontent, as it could have a serious impact on traffic accidents.

It is noteworthy that the Yerevan municipality plans to sharply increase parking fees for vehicles. Starting January 1, 2024, parking in red zones in central Yerevan will cost 160,000 drams per year instead of the previous 12,000 drams. The project has been put up for public discussion.