Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev met with Nikolay Popov of the Siyanie civic movement and Vladimir Kulev, a certified safe driving instructor. During the meeting, they discussed the implementation of the road safety reform and specific steps towards establishing a network of responsible driving training grounds.
“We need to move away from disparate initiatives towards concrete and sustainable action. We are beginning work on the legislative amendments, but it is important that this process is communicated widely and follows a clear sequence,” Minister Georgi Peev said.
According to him, a specific strategy for safe driving training grounds needs to be developed, covering their design, financing and management, as well as determining the required number of such facilities and their regional distribution. A transitional period is also envisaged to allow the system to be introduced gradually.
“Our idea is to first establish a pilot standardised training ground that meets clearly defined standards and requirements. Once the model has been tested and refined, it can also be implemented in other parts of the country,” the Minister said.
Georgi Peev emphasised the need for driving instructors to be more actively involved in developing the training materials and methodology. According to him, the focus should be not only on knowledge of traffic rules, but also on developing practical skills and capabilities for safe behaviour on the road.
During the meeting, Nikolay Popov expressed support for taking concrete action and stated his readiness to contribute to the process with his expertise and personal commitment. “We need to achieve a real change in drivers’ behaviour and training – before the consequences reach someone’s family,” he emphasised.
Vladimir Kulev presented, from a professional perspective, proposals relating to the practical training of drivers and the potential use of training grounds as part of the overall system for preventing road traffic injuries.
There was general agreement that the road safety reform should be implemented through concrete, measurable and consistent actions, involving institutions, the professional community and civil society organisations alike.
