, is part of a broader safety initiative under a newly launched platform titled “High-Risk Road Sections”){kind=link}
SOFIA – The Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) has unveiled a new digital map identifying Bulgaria’s most dangerous road sections, but the release has drawn widespread criticism for its limited functionality and lack of interactivity.
The map, published on the agency’s website (www.api.bg), is part of a broader safety initiative under a newly launched platform titled “High-Risk Road Sections.”
At first glance, the map appears to offer a valuable overview of accident-prone areas across the national road network. However, users quickly discovered that the tool is little more than a static image.
The 140-megapixel, 20-megabyte map displays red markers to denote hazardous sections, but lacks any clickable features, route descriptions, or interactive navigation options.
Zooming in merely enlarges the image without providing further context, such as specific danger warnings like “sharp turn near roundabout” or “slippery slope at city entrance.”
Instead, users are left to consult a basic legend in the corner of the image to interpret the markers. For instance, a red dot near Veliko Tarnovo gives no information beyond its vague placement on the map.
The RIA stated that the platform will be updated weekly and that an accompanying Action Plan outlines safety improvements for each high-risk zone.
The plan is expected to be monitored regularly, with the agency’s chairman set to report monthly to the Minister of Regional Development on its progress.
Critics argue that while the map demonstrates an intent to improve road safety transparency, its design falls short of being a practical public tool—especially for drivers seeking real-time guidance or mobile accessibility.
Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Parliament has adopted a raft of amendments to the Road Traffic Act at first reading, signaling a broader governmental push to address the country’s high rate of road fatalities.
Key proposals include empowering municipal authorities to take a more active role in road monitoring and enforcement.
Under the new law, mayors could authorize the use of local surveillance cameras to detect traffic violations, supplementing existing systems operated by national agencies. The toll system’s infrastructure will also be leveraged to measure average vehicle speeds on major roads.
In a move to modernize traffic enforcement, the government plans to deploy unmarked patrol vehicles staffed with uniformed officers. Additionally, 17-year-olds will soon be eligible for driving licenses, provided they are accompanied by an adult driver during their first year behind the wheel.
One notable legislative change is the proposed reduction of the national highway speed limit from 140 km/h to 130 km/h, aligning Bulgaria more closely with other European Union countries.
Other measures include enabling municipal employees to issue electronic tickets during routine public services and phasing out traditional windshield stickers in favor of digital registration systems.
The reforms aim to bring Bulgaria’s traffic laws in line with stricter enforcement seen in neighboring countries like Greece, where fines for violations are significantly higher. Lawmakers also approved the formation of a new road safety authority within the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration,” tasked with carrying out on-the-spot vehicle inspections.
Separately, Parliament passed amendments to the Electronic Communications Networks and Physical Infrastructure Act to accelerate broadband rollout in rural areas, reducing bureaucratic delays for infrastructure development.
As Bulgaria takes legislative steps to enhance road safety and digital modernization, the effectiveness of these initiatives will hinge on their execution—and on delivering tools that meet the public’s need for accessible, reliable information.