Heavy Traffic Across Bulgaria as People Embark on Trips for Easter

There will be heavy traffic and heightened police presence on Bulgaria's motorways and main roads on Thursday afternoon as most people are embarking on their trips for the forthcoming Easter holiday, which will last between April 29 and May 2.

More than 200 000 vehicles are estimated to leave Sofia on Thursday afternoon, with the heaviest traffic expected at the exits of Sofia, Trakia, Hemus and Struma motorways as well as the I-1 (E79) road between Sofia and Kulata border checkpoint at the border with Greece.

More than eighty extra buses are expected to depart from the central bus station in Sofia to different destinations.

There are heightened security measures at bus and train stations, with drivers of buses having been instructed to pay attention to suspicious passengers and luggage.

The interior ministry and the Road Infrastructure Agency (API) warn that there will be heightened control and restrictions on roads due to the expected heavy traffic, with the aim being to ease traffic and prevent accidents.

A total of 180 car patrols of traffic police will monitor for offences such as drink driving and speeding.

API is restricting the movement of trucks above twelve tonnes on motorways and the busiest roads between 16 and 20 o'clock on Thursday. The same restriction will be applicable on May 2 when most people are expected to return from their holidays.

Two lanes have been provided for those exiting Sofia in the direction of Greece, with the same measure to be in force on Friday when heightened traffic is also expected towards southwestern Bulgaria. API reminds that Lyulin motorway can be used as an alternative route.

Around 40 000 vehicles are expected to enter from Romania and to head to the Black Sea coast....