BUCHAREST, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The new parking charges in Bucharest came into effect on Sunday, with the tariff increased from 1.5 lei (0.375 U.S. dollars) per hour to 10 lei per hour in the central area of Bucharest, capital of Romania.

The authorities in Bucharest justified the increase, explaining that the limit values set by EU air quality legislation have been exceeded in the capital city, and one of the causes leading to this situation is intense trafficking.

The General Council of Bucharest approved the draft decision on June 14.

According to the decision, the city municipality is divided into 3 areas in terms of parking fee. Thus, in "Zone 0," the central area, a unique tariff of 10 lei per hour is to be applied from Monday to Friday. Parking is limited to a maximum of 2 hours, and after the expiration of this period, the surcharge will be applied to an amount equivalent to double the hourly rate for each overtime.

For residents of this area, the tariff will be 120 lei per month.

The tariffs for "Zone 1," the sub-central area and "Zone 2," the suburb area, the tariff will be 5 lei and 2.5 lei per hour respectively during the daytime, 2.5 lei and 1.5 lei per hour at the night time. (1 U.S. dollar = 4 lei)