Free movement, road conditions, illegally imposed fees – on agenda of working groups for development of road transport, roads' infrastructure

The second meeting this year of the working groups for the development of road transport and road infrastructure was held online today. At the event, experts on behalf of Chisinau addressed more pressing problems affecting citizens, economic operators and vehicle drivers on both banks of the Dniester River.

The dialogue continued on the operation of the vehicle registration offices in Tiraspol and Rabnita. Representatives of the Public Services Agency (ASP) reiterated the need to resolve previously reported problems: revising working hours, ensuring efficient management of appointments, introducing the Romanian language on the website, clarifying days off and public holidays, providing access to surveillance cameras, as well as many other difficulties reported over the years. At the same time, experts from Chisinau noted that the registration mechanism with neutral-design license plates was functional, as confirmed by its continued application; however, its proper implementation is affected by a string of problems that Tiraspol has not yet resolved.

Another topic examined concerned the implementation of the information system meant for the electronic processing of compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (RCA) documents. The representative of the National Bank of Moldova presented the relevant technical aspects and the way the system is to be used. In addition, representatives of the National Roads’ Administration addressed the situation of bridges, focusing on the bridges over the Dniester River between Rezina and Rabnita and at Dubasari, highlighting the importance of maintaining road infrastructure in safe and functional condition.

During the meeting, Chisinau reiterated its position on the illegal and abusive nature of the so‑called vignette charges imposed on drivers of vehicles with Moldovan license plates who reside in the Transnistrian region, as well as the alleged tax burdens on vehicles with a total mass of more than 18 tons. The representatives of Chisinau emphasized that all lawful transport‑related taxes are already paid in accordance with the legislation of Moldova, and that the imposition of additional charges in the region lacks any legal basis. At the same time, experts noted that, if the issue is presented by the representatives from Tiraspol through the lens of road conditions, the constitutional authorities may examine the state of road infrastructure and the possible gradual interventions required, on the condition that the illegal control posts unilaterally installed by Tiraspol are removed.

Chisinau reaffirmed the need for a pragmatic approach to the problems in the field of road transport and road infrastructure, focusing on the elimination of artificial obstacles, compliance with the applicable legal framework and the facilitation of free movement for citizens and economic operators.