Volgograd truckers disappointed with Medvedev's statements on "Platon" system

Today, the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has treated the system of toll collection from trucks for use of federal highways, named "Platon", as unpopular but necessary measure. The truckers from Volgograd, who are on strike against "Platon" in the vicinity of Moscow, criticized Medvedev's statements and declared a continuation of their protest action.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that truckers from several regions of Russia, including from the Krasnodar Territory, Dagestan, and Volgograd and Rostov Regions are protesting against the introduction of the "Platon" system that provides for collection of tolls from truck owners and drivers for using federal highways. The strikers announced their intention to launch protests in Moscow; and some of them are now in the suburbs of the Russian capital.

"Overall, we're dissatisfied with statements of Russian Premier. Our action will continue. In the near future, we'll move over to more active protests, but they will remain within the bounds of the law," Alexei Ulyanov, the coordinator of truckers from Volgograd, who keep striking on Kashira Highway near Moscow, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

He refused to comment on Medvedev's speech in detail, noting that "his speech reflects his vision of the situation," with which the strikers disagree.

Alexei was supported by Vladimir Glazko, a trucker from Volgograd: "I wanted to crush up my TV-set, when Medvedev was speaking. What kind of government are they, since they categorically refuse to listen to their people?!"

Prior to collecting money, they should improve the road infrastructure – lay down new paving, build parking lots and recreational facilities, he said.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.