Ecology, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

He stressed that the plan for improving air quality in Riga has been in development since 2013. The plan stipulates specific measures to reduce traffic in downtown Riga, for example, by increasing the number of bike lanes, reducing the number of parking spots and cutting the number of vehicles entering downtown Riga.

Usakovs explained that the plan includes several measures that are being implemented since 2009 when he became the mayor. New parks are being created, green zones expanded, and new bike lanes are built.

He admitted that the quality of air in Riga is low, however, the situation is not disastrous. Unlike the other Baltic capitals, air quality measurements in Riga are carried out in the city's center. "Of course, we will not move the air monitoring station to Mezaparks, nevertheless, we must take into account that some places in the capital will register a lower quality of air than others," Usakovs said, adding that in general, there are no major problems with air quality in Riga.

As reported, Environmental Protection and Regional Development Minister Romans Naudins (All for Latvia! – For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK) has ordered Usakovs to immediately begin solving the problem of air pollution in Riga.