Bulgaria's Road Transport Administration has called on hauliers to get their vehicles ready for autumn and winter in good time. The appeal comes before the agency's traditional "Winter" road safety campaign.

Companies should check and prepare every vehicle they use for transport. Technical managers and the people in charge of fleet maintenance should take the necessary organisational and technical steps.

The agency says lower temperatures, rain and snow, icy roads, poor visibility and shorter daylight bring extra risks on the road. It says these months call for more responsibility from drivers, from hauliers and from the people who maintain and run vehicle fleets.

The aim is to give fewer reasons for crashes and keep everyone on the road safe. Transport is safe only when vehicles that are in good working order and properly equipped go out on the road, the agency says.

The agency is continuing the checks within its powers, paying the most attention to transport safety.

It says the rules must be followed all the time, not just because of inspections.