site.btaRegional Development Minister Ivanov Comments on Truck Traffic Situation, Control

Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov visited the village of Damyanitsa, Sandanski Municipality, Southwestern Bulgaria, in order to attend a meeting  on the results of the increased control over road traffic ordered by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who was also present. 

Minister Ivanov explained that the critical points are precisely the border checkpoints, where the same control no longer exists with the country's entry into Schengen. Such control, in addition to the border with Greece, is also carried out on the border with Romania. Of course, the most significant flow of trucks is going to Greece, and therefore several of the control points will be concentrated in this region, explained the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works. He pointed out that the control will be carried out jointly with the revenue agencies and the Ministry of Transport and explained that the violations that are established are of a different nature and do not concern only the non-payment of road fees.

Minister Ivanov informed about a meeting held on Friday with representatives of the transport sector organizations. "They adamantly supported the actions that we are taking, because they are also being harmed, as is every Bulgarian citizen. The checks will continue dynamically, not statically, only here. Of course, there will also be static points where continuous control will be carried out. Our appeal is to comply with the legislation, because the violations harm all Bulgarian citizens and, accordingly, the rehabilitation of the republican road network, since these funds are entered into the budget solely for this purpose, so that we can cover the shortfall, which due to unpaid funds from last year this year we have to make up for, and I think we are succeeding," the Minister added.

The data available to the Ministry show that there is already an equalization with last year, and in some cases an excess of the revenue part, before the toll fee is increased, which is provided for in the 2025 State Budget Act.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov appealed to domestic industry organizations to exercise their internal self-control during his visit to the area of ​​the village of Damyanitsa, Sandanski Municipality.