BITSA representatives took part in a discussion on traffic problems in city Plovdiv on 25.04.2023. meeting “Round table on traffic in Plovdiv”.
The participation of our experts was at the invitation of the Municipal Councillors of the Alternative for Plovdiv.
The meeting was attended by, Eng. Nikolay Popov – representative of the Bulgarian ITS Association (BITSA), Angel Popov – former Deputy Minister of Transport, Tencho Tenev – former Head of Sofia Traffic Police, Eng. Alexander Darzhikov – Chairman of Plovdiv Municipal Council and Diana Rusinova – Chairperson of the European Centre for Transport Policies (ECTP)
The main challenges being addressed are:

• Traffic problems related to daily congestion on the main roads of Plovdiv
• Road traffic traumatism
• Environmental pollution due to heavy traffic and generated congestion

The municipal councilor Todor Stoilov introduced the attendees to data from recent studies, which show that overbuilding, traffic jams, and their consequences are the problems that worry most residents of Plovdiv During the meeting Mr. Stoilov noted the significant role of the unrealized infrastructure projects, which represent a serious share of the traffic problem. “We also have a failed transport project – no software, legal battles with the contractor. All this leads us to a dead end”, he insists.
The experts presented a general opinion on the need to update the Traffic Organization Master Plan and develop a Transportation Model to identify the different zones (educational zones, medical and health care zones, residential zones, etc.). In this way, the short and long-term vision for the development of the city can be built.
Our experts explained that Plovdiv needs immediate measures in addition to long-term and short-term ones. In our opinion, because of the extremely dynamic traffic, it is necessary to update the projects related to the organization of traffic at cross-roads (with traffic lights and those without traffic lights).
There is a need for dynamic traffic data collection that can be analyzed and used to optimize the modes and programs of operation of light-controlled cross-roads. This is the key to solving some of Plovdiv’s problems.
Another measure is the separation of left turns at cross-roads and the timing of the green signal for them based on the dynamic congestion within different time ranges.
Regarding pedestrians, according to our experts, it is a good option to introduce pedestrian phase request buttons as well as the separation of long pedestrian crossings to optimize traffic.
All experts agreed unanimously and noted that staff at all levels is key. We need capable, motivated, trained people who have the drive and desire to fight the traffic problem, and we need urgent measures to maintain traffic management facilities in a timely and professional manner.
The experts also noted the need to strengthen video surveillance at all intersections in Plovdiv to ensure operational efficiency in traffic management.
The long-time head of the traffic police – Sofia, Tencho Tenev, reported alarming data on the growth of victims and injured from accidents in Plovdiv. Since the beginning of the year until today, the number of dead is 12 and the number of injured is 240. For the same period in 2022, the victims are 9 and the injured 239. Compared to 2021, the increase in victims is 40 more.
Eng. Alexander Darzhikov supported the idea of the councilors from “Alternative for Plovdiv” to hold the discussion on this important issue of the city. He himself participated in the development of the Master Plan of Plovdiv in 2012. He said it was important for the municipal administration to find the right solutions.
The municipal councilors from “Alternative for Plovdiv” were sure that this round table is the initial step in the fight to ease traffic and reduce traffic accidents. The next steps are outlined. Experts should propose measures, the Municipal Council of Plovdiv should make decisions taking into consideration them.