Sozopol: Fines for Electric Vehicles and Changes to Regulations

Sozopol, Bulgaria – At a regular session of the Municipal Council in Sozopol, amendments were adopted to the Ordinance on the protection of public order and security, introducing fines for violations related to individual electric vehicles. Individuals violating the new regulations will be sanctioned with a fine of 80 leva, while legal entities may face a penalty of 1000 leva.

The decision, made at the meeting, is a response to the growing popularity of electric scooters, bicycles and other similar means. The ordinance already limits the maximum speed of movement within the municipality to 20 km/h. In addition, bans on movement and parking are provided in pedestrian zones, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds and other public places. An exception will be allowed only for specially designated areas.

The chairman of the Municipal Council, Stanimir Andonov, explained the reasons behind the new measures. According to him, the introduction of strict rules is necessary, despite the positive impact of micromobility on the environment and traffic. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure safety and public order.

The meeting of the Municipal Council was loaded with discussions on a number of important issues. Along with the amendments to the ordinance on electric vehicles, the mayor Tihomir Yanakiev's report on the execution of the budget for 2024 was also considered. Proposals were discussed for the optimization of financial resources for the maintenance of official vehicles, as well as for the purchase of a new telephone exchange and a car for the Home Social Patronage. In addition, requests for the provision of financial aid to residents of the municipality were considered.

The councilors also voted on the proposed project for the transformation of the "Arena Sozopol" stadium. The project provides for an investment of about 800 thousand leva, funds from the European Union, in the major renovation of the sports facility. A public procurement procedure is forthcoming for the selection of a contractor. The sun's rays were filtering through the windows of the hall while the municipal councilors discussed the future of the city. A tense atmosphere reigned in the hall, as the decisions they make will directly affect the lives of the citizens.