Second-hand cars clog Polish borders attempting to beat approaching ban

New regulations regarding import of second-hand and wrecked cars to Poland will most likely be implemented this week. According to the new rules, every import of a non-functioning auto is to be treated as scrap. That will probably mean that the approval of the chief inspector for environmental protection would be needed to enable such vehicles to enter Polish territory. In the year 1999, 90,000 second-hand cars were imported to Poland, with the number increasing last year to 210,000. In January of this year alone 30,000 such cars were brought to Poland. Yesterday, people who wanted to clear such cars had to spend 20 hours waiting at border crossings for customs clearance. According to customs officers, it is very likely that in the last few days before the new regulations come into effect, people who decide to bring second-hand cars to Poland will have to wait more than 24 hours on the border. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.20) A.D.