Measures and speed limits were introduced in central streets in Blagoevgrad. This was well received by pedestrians but not by motorists. What are the reasons for the new restrictions and will the control over their compliance be strengthened?
A new traffic limit of 30 kilometers per hour was introduced on a large main street in Blagoevgrad.
BNT commented on this.
People who live on the street and cross often approve of the restriction. However, according to drivers, it is too low. Many of them do not comply with it. What are the reasons for its introduction and will the control over its compliance be strengthened? We're checking.
Ulica "Ivan Mihailov" in Blagoevgrad there are two traffic lanes in each direction, crossed by an island. The area has a university building and a gymnasium, as well as many large residential buildings. The footpaths are very far apart and the underpass is in a poor condition.
"There are students here, there is no crosswalk here, here the crosswalk is down at the traffic light and up at the intersection they are coming from the bus stop and from here where should the students cross, come on tell me. The underpass is working, it must be closed.
Residents in the area approve of the new restriction, even though it is not being followed.
"The fact is that this sign is not respected. Especially in the evening it's like a track here, you have no idea what it is, but why is there no control", asks Lyuben Kushev.
"The traffic here in the evening is over 100, not 30 … no one respects it", said Lyuben Kushev.
Many drivers are of the opinion that this speed is too low. They believe that instead of reducing the speed limit, an overpass should be built or pedestrian paths should be made. It would not be bad to maintain the underpass.
"When it is 50, there will be no prerequisites for a road accident, when it is 30, no one complies with 30 and when the road is smaller, it is normally 30, but here - it is wide, there is capacity for 50.
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"It has two lanes, I think the limit should be 50 km", believes Manol Popov.
The municipality explained the introduction of the restriction with a decision of the municipal commission on traffic safety.
"Participating are representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Traffic Police, engineers, experts who understand this. There is a school, a university building there, we have a problem with crossing as it is two lanes and it is a bit risky. I think that if we cover 150 meters at 30 km/h, and not at 50 km/h, practically, we will not lose any time, but we can save human life", thinks Metodi Baikushev, Mayor of Blagoevgrad.
The traffic police explained that they control compliance with the restriction by installing mobile cameras. There are already fined drivers.