Bulgarian traffic police starts operation “Winter” on November 1

As of November 1, the traffic police starts operation "Winter" throughout the country. The operation is initiated by the Union of Bulgarian Motorists. It is carried out in partnership with the Traffic Police and with the support of the Bulgarian Red Cross, Executive Agency "Automobile Administration", Road Infrastructure Agency , State Agency "Road Safety" and other partners.

The operation is conducted anually and aims to ensure that vehicles are ready for driving in winter conditions.

During the first phase, from November 1 to 10, the road checks will focus on bicycles, scooters, animal-drawn vehicles and agricultural equipment . The police will check for registration, lighting and proper equipment and ensuring that riders wear reflective vests in accordance with the road traffic law requirements.

The second phase, from November 11 to 20, will focus on pedestrians, passengers and the behaviour of motorists towards pedestrians.

The checks will be aimed at a prevention of the behaviour of pedestrians and passengers, as well as of drivers who do not give the right of way to pedestrians. The police will check if pedestrians comply with rules for crossing roads safely, keeping pedestrians off motorways. Special attention will be paid to pedestrians, who most often do not follow the rules in and out of settlements in the dark part of the day.

The last , third phase, between November 21-30, includes the campaign "Safe driving in winter". The traffic police will focus the control over the technical condition of the cars and over the behaviour of the motorists.

Traffic Police will check that vehicles have tyres suitable for winter conditions. Under the law, drivers are required to obligatory use winter tyres with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.

The inspections will also check that all the lights on a vehicle are working, as well as its windscreen cleaning system.

During “Operation Winter” there will be checks on the condition of road surfaces, road signs and lighting of streets in areas with high risk of traffic accidents.

photos by BGNES