Russia's Federal Antitrust Service (FAS) found no violations in the traffic restrictions imposed by the Moscow government on the main road to Moscow's largest international airport in June, the service reported Monday.
The Leningradskoye Highway was narrowed to one lane in each direction after repairs to a bridge began on June 26. It led to severe road congestion in the area, causing pilots and passengers to miss their flights after spending six hours in traffic jams trying to reach the airport.
The situation improved on July 2, when two additional lanes were opened following an order by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
"The FAS concluded that the restriction of traffic on the 24 km Leningradskoye Highway... due to repairs, does not counter the norms of antitrust legislation," the service said.
In late June, Sheremetyevo head Mikhail Vasilenko filed a complaint to the FAS accusing the Moscow authorities of deliberately jeopardizing trips by passengers who had chosen his airport over the newly remodeled Vnukovo terminals, which were set to open on July 3. Vnukovo belongs to the Moscow government, while Sheremetyevo is owned by the federal authorities.
"However, the FAS notes that the system of informing citizens of the planned repairs was insufficient. Due to the lack of due notification, thousands of Muscovites spent several hours in traffic jams and many missed their flights," the service said.
MOSCOW, August 2 (RIA Novosti)
