site.btaPeople Protesting at Long-Haul Truck Traffic via Petrohan Pass Stage Road Blockade

People protesting against long-haul truck traffic through the Petrohan Pass in the western section of the Balkan Range blocked the Sofia-Montana road for half an hour on Tuesday evening.

Regional Development and Public Works Minister Violeta Koritarova met with the protesters by the road which goes through the village of Barzia, Berkovitsa Municipality. She said that Northwestern Bulgaria needs new roads, which is why the section between Mezdra and Lyutidol has been closed for repairs and in connection with the building of a speedway.

Koritarova urged the people to show tolerance and patience until the new road is built. She explained that the Sofia-Montana road, which runs through the Petrohan Pass, is one of the detours for heavy-duty trucks. The minister noted that long-haul trucks are not allowed to travel on weekends and at rush hours, a restriction which takes account of the opinion of locals.

The protesters disagreed with Koritarova's arguments. They claimed that heavy-duty truck drivers disregard the restrictions.

They sat on the road for 30 minutes, waving the national flag and demanding Koritarova's resignation. They threatened further protests.