Checkpoint "Lars" on the Georgian-Russian border will move to 24/7 non-stop operation mode in order to improve the situation with the queues of Russian cars trying to cross into Georgia, Georgia-Online reports.
Bank in March 2012 Georgia unilaterally introduced visa-free regime for Russian citizens, which led to increase of visitors and as a result - constant accumulation of vehicles at the checkpoint Lars – currently the only operating legal land crossing between the two countries. The other two checkpoints are located in Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia - both under Russian occupation, and are not accessible for the Georgian authorities
The “peak” for crossing was during the summer holiday season. The number of people and vehicles that have crossed Russian-Georgian border for the last eight months, exceed that total number for the previous two years, which created traffic jams on the mountainous road through the Big Caucasus range. To date, the flow of vehicles have decreased, but the checkpoint still operates in emergency mode, according to the Russia’s North Ossetian TV Channel "Alania".
Andrew Azhgibisov, deputy chief of the Upper Lars checkpoint form the Russian side told “Alania”, " Leadership and management of border control checkpoint takes all necessary measures to speed up the pass. Customs Service also takes part in it . We have opened additional lines, call additional personnel on duty, in order to provide passage of people and vehicles in the shortest possible time."
The checkpoint was rebuilt in 2010, it was reopened after a major renovation and was equipped with the latest technical equipment. “It allows implementation of all operations that we need for passing people and vehicles”, Azhgibisov said.
