Knesset gives local authorities more power to fight air pollution

By EHUD ZION WALDOKS
The Knesset approved a correction to the Traffic Law on Monday night which gives municipalities much more authority to fight air pollution. The amended law would allow local authorities to close streets at certain times to reduce pollution, limit the amount of traffic on certain routes and levy fines on drivers. Each plan could be tailored to individual cities but would require the approval of the Transportation Ministry. Money collected from fines would be used to further the fight against air pollution by, among other things, perhaps providing subsidies for bus tickets, encouraging bike riding, and fixing transportation infrastructure.