Minsk's Abandoned Car Crisis: Legal Logjam Hinders City Cleanup

Minsk's Abandoned Car Problem: A City's Struggle with Derelict Vehicles Minsk, Belarus is grappling with a growing problem: abandoned and derelict vehicles cluttering its streets and parking areas. The issue has sparked frustration among residents, who complain about the eyesores and safety hazards. City officials acknowledge the problem but highlight the complexities of removing the vehicles. "It's a real eyesore," said one resident interviewed in the video, pointing to a rusty Lada. "It's been sitting there for years." The video shows several examples of severely damaged and abandoned vehicles, including a Mercedes with a broken windshield and a Lada with flat tires. City officials explain that the process of removing these vehicles is lengthy and complicated. They must first identify the owners, a process that can take weeks or even months. Then, they must issue warnings and attempt to contact the owners before proceeding with removal. One official stated, "The procedure for removing abandoned vehicles is complicated. We have to spend 15 days just to establish that the vehicle is not in use." Despite the challenges, the city is actively working to address the problem. The video shows crews removing an abandoned car using chains and a tow truck. The city's commitment to resolving this issue, combined with increased citizen awareness, offers hope for a cleaner and safer Minsk.