With regard to the forthcoming weekends and the expected increased traffic, we are in full coordination with colleagues from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. This was stated by the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski, during a briefing at the Council of Ministers.
"On the eve of some of the brightest Christian holidays, I urge citizens to be careful and responsible on the road because they are responsible for themselves and others on the road," Moskovski said.
He pointed out that the inspectors of the Road Transport Administration Executive Agency have checked the passenger transport companies for the degree of readiness for work in winter conditions and the measures for protection of the life and health of the passengers. Carriers were advised to pay attention to tightening up of the internal control of technical readiness for the winter season and vehicles roadworthiness.
Minister Ivaylo Moskovski also said that there were teams on duty in each of the districts. Daily staff briefings are conducted, specifically on weekends and holidays, as well as on winter conditions, with a risk analysis of specific locations and roadways where more dynamic traffic is expected.
We have initiated legislative amendments that will soon enter into force, Minister Moskovski said. In his words, they will regulate the operation of the auto repair workshops, as well as the implementation of additional measures for security in the public transportation of passengers, including the compulsory equipment with the safety belts of the buses. We hope that introducing all these changes will contribute to more safety and security on the road, "he said.
Minister Moskovski drew attention to the frequent incidents of unauthorized passage of vehicles through railroad crossings, when light and sound alarms are on, and barriers are lowered. He noted that only yesterday there were two such cases registered. "The train cannot turn and stop," Moskovsky added, urging everyone to be careful, to realize that they risk not only their lives but also the lives of the passengers in the vehicle, and in most cases of their families. In addition to victims, railways rolling stock suffers huge damage.
