Road Agency urges motorists to make sure vehicles are prepared for driving in winter conditions

Motorists travelling in southern Bulgaria are advised to set off in vehicles prepared for winter conditions. Strong winds and significant rain showers are expected in the districts of Smolyan, Kardzhali and Haskovo, as well as in the Blagoevgrad area, and the chances of ice affecting the road conditions increase as temperatures drop.

Light snow is falling on the "Prevala" "Pamporovo" and "Petrokhan" mountain passes.

The Road Infrastructure Agency urges motorists to adapt the driving style to match the roads,to drive with caution, at a speed consistent with the road conditions, to keep the necessary distance and not to take risky maneuvers

The blocking of traffic by vehicles not prepared for winter conditions hampers the journey of all other motorists and the work of snow clearing equipment.

District road management offices and road maintenance companies are monitoring weather forecasts by region and are on standby to take the necessary action to treat surfaces in high mountain areas and passes where slippery and icy conditions are expected.

The aim is to ensure road passability and therefore start preventive and snow clearance activities as soon as weather deterioration is forecast.

Up-to-date information on the road conditions and maintenance is available on the RIA website, www.api.bg, and on the telephone line 0700 130 20 at any time.

The Agency has a 24-hour Situation Centre which collects and summarises data on the state of the national roads.