Putin fires 10,000 traffic police officers in Russia

10,000 traffic police officers are to be fired soon in accordance with an internal decree of the Russian Interior Ministry. The decree was drafted to ensure implementation of a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 31, Gazeta.ru reports.

The campaign will cover only road police officers, but those who are in charge for registration of vehicles and conducting driving tests will remain intact.

The staff cuts will affect traffic police officers all over Russia. Those to be cut will have an opportunity to take vacant positions in other departments of the Interior Ministry. The ministry promises that those willing to quit the police will enjoy social protection.