The tightening of truck traffic rules in the Russian capital may lead to disruptions in logistics and an increase in food prices, according to business representatives. In this regard, the market participants are asking to reconsider the decision and to avoid future risks, writes "Kommersant".

A ban on driving without passes for vehicles weighing 3.5 tons within MKAD is planned to be introduced in the near future.

According to the newspaper, the capital mayor was informed by the leaders of the Russian Automobile Transport Union (ATU), the National Union of experts in the field of transport and logistics, the National Meat Association, "Soyuzdrinks", "Souzmolok" and some other associations about the potential consequences of the tightened rules.

The order of Moscow department of transport to ban movement of trucks weighing over 12 tons without passes within MKAD (Moscow Ring Road) became grounds for the appeal, and vehicles weighing over 3,5 tons will also be affected from April 5.

The authors of the appeal point out in their letter to the Mayor, that the restrictions have significant risks for delivery of raw materials, food and medicines, which used to be transported at night without passes. Also the participants of the market point out that the alternative to Moscow Ring Road - central ring road is not ready to receive the trucks, as the construction on it is in progress, there is not enough interchanges, exits and infrastructure, says "Kommersant".

According to the representatives of the professional community, the transfer of routes will result in higher costs for transportation, which will affect the final price of the goods. Thus, only the toll for one truck on the Central Ring Road may cost about 700 thousand rubles a year.

THE BUSINESS OPINION

Sergei Yushin, head of the National Meat Association, said that due to the tightened weight requirements for trucks, the number of transport, drivers and loaders will have to increase, while loading and unloading operations will slow down, which will result in higher transportation and logistics costs, which is especially critical for cheap products.

Yushin added that individual carriers have already stated their lack of motivation to continue operating due to stricter control and increased fines. Because of this, food producers have started having trouble finding vehicles and drivers.

Large food company is still unable to get all passes for trucks of 12 tons, and for vehicles of 3.5 tons and more this opportunity is still missing. The interlocutor of the publication has pointed out that it takes two weeks to issue a pass, and the main problem of the innovations is the extremely tight timeline for their entry into force.

The changes in the pass issuing rules, which will come into force in May, may also have a negative impact on logistics. Maksim Novikov, president of Soyuzmolokov, says that the passes are issued for certain zones, and the control over routes will make it impossible to bypass traffic, lengthening the whole logistics chain.

Artem Belov, General Director of Soyuzmoloko, points out that trucks in the food industry transport products to different points at a time, which can change.

Business representatives are asking to reconsider restrictions for trucks weighing 3.5 tons or more, and to discuss logistics issues together.

MOSCOW AUTHORITIES

The press-service of the Department of Transport of the capital said that the changes are made to further reduce the number of transit trucks, to improve traffic on the Moscow Ring Road and the environment and to increase safety. Central Ring Road construction, as it was added in the department, is almost finished and there is no problem with the use of the road as a transit highway.

In addition, the Department pointed out that they had previously discussed the transfer of transit trucks from the Moscow Ring Road to alternative routes with the representatives of the freight market, and the additional routes could be laid by April 5.

Made in Russia // Made in Russia

Author: Ksenia Gustova