Bulgaria to Change the Rules on Truck Traffic Bans. No More Last-Minute Decisions
Bulgaria wants to streamline the rules governing temporary restrictions on truck traffic. The Ministry of Transport is announcing uniform criteria, earlier notification for carriers, and a move away from sudden, regional decisions that make route planning more difficult.
Bulgarian authorities are announcing changes to the rules governing the introduction of temporary restrictions on truck traffic. Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev expects the Road Infrastructure Agency to present an amended regulation that has been agreed in advance with representatives of the transport industry. The main objective is to make traffic bans more predictable and establish uniform rules for introducing them throughout the country. The issue was discussed during a meeting between the minister, the management of the Road Infrastructure Agency, and organizations representing road freight transport. As was pointed out, there are currently no clearly defined criteria governing the introduction of temporary restrictions on trucks.
In practice, decisions are made by regional road administrations, which, according to the ministry, leads to inconsistencies and makes route planning more difficult for carriers. The problem is particularly apparent during periodic restrictions introduced, among other reasons, due to high temperatures. Minister Peev also highlighted the insufficient number of appropriately equipped truck parking areas. When a ban is introduced suddenly, drivers often have nowhere safe to stop their vehicles. Stopping on the hard shoulder is not permitted, while prolonged waiting in the cab during hot weather can pose a health risk to drivers and subsequently affect driving safety.
The ministry wants the new rules to establish uniform procedures and criteria for introducing restrictions, as well as ensure earlier and clearer communication to both Bulgarian and foreign carriers. The minister stressed that the current system does not provide an adequate balance between the interests of the state, road users, and the transport industry. The meeting also addressed the issue of the technical safety of trucks. The minister announced a firm approach toward vehicles that are technically defective, overloaded, or operating with worn tires. He also drew attention to cases of trucks violating overtaking bans, which can lead to dangerous situations on the roads.
Industry representatives supported increased enforcement. In their view, problems related to the technical condition of vehicles are more common in domestic transport than in international transport. Carriers' organizations also declared their willingness to cooperate with the authorities in eliminating companies operating in the shadow economy, as well as so-called shell companies, which distort competition and may lower safety standards.
However, the key change is expected to be the streamlining of the way temporary truck traffic bans are introduced. For carriers, this would mean greater predictability, the ability to plan routes in advance, and a lower risk of vehicles being suddenly stopped without access to safe parking areas.
