Impact Level: Notification
Locations Affected: Macedonia Square, Sofia, Vitosha Boulevard, Bulgaria
Tracking Id: RINTP4913292892
Description:
As per reports, the Center for Urban Mobility (CUM) has announced the suspension of paid parking in Sofia’s blue and green zones from Friday (10 April) to Monday (13 April), coinciding with the Orthodox Easter holiday period.
• During this window, parking in both the blue zone, covering the city centre, including areas around Vitosha Boulevard, Macedonia Square, and surrounding boroughs, and the green zone, which wraps around the central area, is free of charge for all vehicles.
• The suspension applies to hourly paid parking only, and all other traffic restrictions, including the ban on older and higher-emission vehicles in Sofia’s low-emission zones, remain in force throughout the holiday period.
• Public transport services in Sofia are expected to operate on a holiday schedule for the duration of the Easter break.
Background:
Sofia’s paid parking system comprises two colour-coded zones administered by the Center for Urban Mobility (CUM). The blue zone covers the city centre at EUR 2 per hour (maximum three hours, Monday to Sunday, 0900-2100 hours local time), while the green zone encircles it, extending into surrounding residential and commercial neighbourhoods at EUR 1 per hour (maximum four hours, Monday to Saturday, 0900-2100 hours local time).
Impact:
• Higher-than-usual vehicle traffic and demand for on-street parking are anticipated across central Sofia for the duration of the Easter holiday, as the suspension of paid parking typically increases private vehicle use in the city centre.
• Personnel driving in central Sofia between Friday (10 April) and Monday (13 April) should anticipate increased congestion and reduced parking availability near high-footfall areas, including commercial districts, churches, and public squares.
• Public transport schedules on holiday timetables may result in reduced frequency on some lines, and personnel relying on public transport may experience longer waiting times.
Recommendations:
• Personnel are advised to plan journeys into central Sofia accordingly during the suspension period, accounting for increased road and parking congestion typical of major public holidays.
• Personnel with older or higher-emission vehicles are advised to confirm that their vehicle meets Sofia’s low-emission zone requirements before entering restricted areas, as enforcement continues regardless of the parking suspension.
• It is advised to monitor updates via the Center for Urban Mobility (https://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en) and Sofia Municipality (https://www.sofia.bg).
Sources:
• https://bntnews.bg/news/ot-10-do-13-april-nyama-da-rabotyat-sinyata-i-zelenata-zona-v-sofiya-1387478news.html
• https://news.bg/regions/bez-sinya-i-zelena-zona-v-sofiya-za-velikdenskite-praznitsi-1.html
