Colour co-ordinated parking system launched in Sofia

Date: 4/9/2012

A new parking system based on blue and green zones has been rolled out across the Bulgarian city of Sofia.

It was officially introduced on September 1st though those who flouted the rules were just given warnings until the full powers were instated on September 3rd.

Anyone parking within a blue zone must pay a fee of BGN2 (80 pence) by sending a text message to the number 1302.

This entitles them to park in the zone for an hour, but they can then purchase another hour if they wish, although no more than two consecutive hours can be bought.

About a third of the capital city is made up of blue zone parking areas, though there are also green zones in operation too.

Parking costs BGN1 per hour in green zones with a limit of four hours attached and can be paid for by texting 1303.

The zones are in operation between 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday and until 2pm on Saturdays.

Teething problems associated with the system have included motorists not receiving a confirmation that their parking has been paid for.

The municipality has said that it will work to rectify the situation though it is unclear how long this may take.

Until October 1st residents whose houses fall within the green or blue zones must pay the fees like other drivers.

After this date they will be able to purchase parking on a yearly basis at a rate of BGN150 for blue zones and BGN100 for green zones.

Radoslav Toshev, Sofia Transport Committee Chairman, has hinted that once the system has been in place for a while other methods of prepayment may be introduced.

These could include monthly, three-monthly and six-monthly permits, which could be particularly useful for corporate and government visitors to the city.

A review of the system has been scheduled for September 13th.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News