Owners of old cars should not fear an automatic ban on entering central Almaty, reports infohub.kz.
The project to introduce a low-emission zone (LEZ) is set to launch in January 2027. Almaty Parking explained that permits for the LEZ will be issued based on actual emission levels, not the vehicle's year of manufacture.
To gain entry, car owners must undergo an instrumental emissions check at a certified inspection station. If the level of harmful substances in the exhaust meets the standards, the data will automatically be entered into the information system. The vehicle will then be added to the access registry, allowing it to move freely within the low-emission zone. Thus, even older cars can obtain entry permits if their actual emissions meet the requirements.
Currently, the project is in its pilot phase. Authorities are testing technical solutions and the integration of state information systems. Final entry rules, the procedure for obtaining permits, and other requirements will be published later.
The pilot zone will cover part of central Almaty within the boundaries: south of Bogenbai Batyr Street, north of Abai Avenue, east of Zheltoksan Street, and west of Dostyk Avenue. It is in this area that vehicle entry will be controlled based on emission levels in the future.
Earlier, Kursiv Avto reported that drivers in Almaty will be warned about entering the eco-zone via smartphone.