Over 100 fines for improper parking were imposed during inspections on the Northern Black Sea Coast last week. This is the result of the joint two-day operation, which was carried out by order of the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov.
The inspections on August 6 and 7 were carried out by Bulgarian and Romanian control bodies to counteract violations that lead to damage to the environment. The sanctions are for improperly parked cars and caravans in violation of Bulgarian legislation.
Over 90 percent of violators are mainly Romanian tourists. The most frequently cited reason is the lack of information, ignorance of the law and the Bulgarian language, said Eng. Yavor Dimitrov, Director of the Basin Directorate “Black Sea Region“ (BDCHR) – Varna. The information signs placed by the Ministry of Environment and Water are often removed, which also prevents the warning to tourists.
The destruction of sand dunes in protected areas is a crime under Bulgarian law and can be punished with imprisonment for up to 3 years. So far, no effective sentences have been imposed, but the fines reach 2,500 leva.
The joint inspections were carried out jointly by the BDHR and the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection - Varna, employees of the Ministry of Environment and Water, representatives of the General Directorate of the “National Police“, the “Economic Police“ Department, “Crimes against the Environment and Wildlife“ Sector, the Regional Administration - Dobrich and the Municipality of Shabla. Employees of the Basin Directorate also inspected drinking establishments near the beach for unregulated water intake and wastewater discharge into the Black Sea.
The inspections will continue until the end of the summer season, and from next year they will be in the period May 1 - September 30.