In fact, each Russian paid 1,000 rubles to the treasury as a fine for violating traffic rules.
Photo: Ivan MAKEEV
The amount turned out to be considerable. In fact, each Russian paid 1,000 rubles to the treasury as a fine for violating traffic rules. And if we take into account only existing drivers, each of them will have to pay about 3,000 rubles. The total amount at the end of 2023 will be 141 billion rubles. This is a record for the last 5 years. And, in principle, a record. The number of fines increases every year (for more details, see the graph).
It is noteworthy that at the end of the year, of the 141 billion rubles issued, only 76.5 billion rubles were paid. But there is a logical explanation. Most fines have a grace period. Within a month you will be able to pay the fine with a 50% discount. Furthermore, there are those who do not pay their bills. And in this case, the debt to the State is collected by the bailiffs.
In general, the constant increase in rates is quite understandable. The vast majority of violations are recorded automatically, using video cameras. In addition, the authorities are actively “investing” money in increasing the number of smart devices that help identify traffic violators. According to the State Traffic Inspectorate, last year 24,000 fixed and more than 3,000 mobile photo and video recording systems operated throughout Russia.
About a third of violations are recorded in Moscow and the Moscow region. In addition, the volume of fines for illegal parking is increasing. Its cost is an order of magnitude higher than that of minor violations (for example, speeding). If an excess of 20 to 40 kilometers per hour is charged as 500 rubles (and you can get away with 250 rubles with a discount), then parking for five minutes in a paid parking lot without paying already costs 5,000 rubles. And the discount does not apply in this case.
The growth of this category comes as cameras become increasingly smarter. Previously, all these violations were recorded by a person or a special car that circulated on the streets. And in this case, the probability of “getting a fine” was not very high if you needed to quickly enter the store. Now, with the presence of smart cameras, these drivers are increasingly filling the coffers.
It is true that drivers’ rights advocates are already demanding a review of the current rules. Of course, catching violators is important and necessary. But cameras should be placed only where their presence reduces the likelihood of an emergency. And not where you can collect as many fines as possible. For example, where, due to uncomfortable markings, many drivers are forced to brake so as not to slow down traffic.
– My trips along the same routes in the Moscow region indicate that cameras often remain for years in places where no accidents occur. And also, mobile cameras seem to cut more cabbages,” complains Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Za Rulem magazine.
Recall that the other day it became known that the Prosecutor General’s Office, together with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, plan in the near future to check the installation sites of traffic cameras throughout Russia to make sure that all complexes are used ” for its intended purpose.” We are waiting for the results of the control.
ONLY NUMBERS
How the volume of fines for traffic violations grew
How the volume of fines for traffic violations grew
PS: The actual volume of payments is a little more than half of this amount. Most violators prefer to pay the fine during the first month to receive a 50% discount.
According to the traffic police.
