„Part of the chaos is created by the drivers themselves. When the media informs us that a complicated winter situation is expected, we then remember that we have to hit the road, and we are absolutely unprepared – with tires not changed or with insufficient experience“.
This was stated by Minister of Transport Georgi Gvozdeykov on the occasion of the many stranded vehicles on the territory of almost the whole country in the last two days due to the complicated winter situation.
He also commented on the drivers of heavy goods vehicles, who got stuck in many places and blocked the traffic, reminding that it is their responsibility to prepare the vehicles for winter conditions.
According to Georgi Gvozdeykov, the reason for the difficult situation lies in the strong wind, heavy snowfall and the impossibility of clearing the roads so quickly. He added that the snow was heavy and wet and the branches were still covered in leaves, causing many trees to fall.
Minister Gvozdeikov also commented on the problems with railway transport, which was practically blocked in many places yesterday. According to him, the problems came because of a broken contact network and fallen trees on the tracks.
„Currently, the main railway lines are passable, while work is being done on two of the minor ones. The organization is at a level, there are currently no passengers in distress“.
However, he admitted that in some places passengers on trains and at stations had to wait for four or five hours before arrangements were made and they were bussed out.
