site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Orders Enhanced Control of Road Traffic

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov Wednesday ordered the line ministers to tighten traffic control. At the beginning of the cabinet meeting, he explained that this is necessary because of Bulgaria's membership in Schengen, which implies an increase in traffic, goods and people. "We are monitoring traffic on the main roads, which carry a potential risk for traffic participants," said the Prime Minister.

Operations focusing on the protection of people's health and lives, controlling the transport of goods with high fiscal risk, and counteracting attempts to avoid payments to the state budget are part of the measures to be implemented by the State Agency Road Safety, the Road Infrastructure Agency, the National Revenue Agency, and the Customs Agency, in coordination with the Interior Ministry's Traffic Police service. Zhelyazkov also ordered the Executive Agency Road Transport Administration to work on a 24-hour shift work schedule.

The inspections should focus on the country's entry and exit points and on traffic on the main road arteries. The Prime Minister assigned the competent institutions to impose the maximum legal penalties for driving in the emergency lane on motorways, overtaking between heavy vehicles, and driving in columns in the far-left lane. The Prime Minister also ordered the resumption of control against unauthorized passenger transport. Furthermore, Zhelyazkov ordered that the Road Infrastructure Agency's proposal for upgrades of the toll system be immediately implemented to increase the collection of toll fees.

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said checks in places with a high volume of heavy-duty vehicle traffic and checks for driving under the influence would be ordered immediately. The Interior Ministry is also drafting legislative proposals that would allow officers to control traffic using unmarked vehicles.

Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov suggested that vets be included in the inspection teams in light of the epizootic situation in neighboring countries.