Meeting with prime minister outlines measures to address road carnage

Measures to reduce road accidents and improve road conditions were discussed today at a meeting convened by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.

"As colleagues, we are fully aware that the deep-rooted problems we've inherited should not be the subject of finger-pointing, but of finding solutions. And this must begin immediately," Zhelyazkov said at the start of the meeting.

Following the discussion, the prime minister announced that dangerous stretches of road would be made public, with the clear aim of encouraging citizens to monitor efforts to ensure their safety.

By mid-year, speed control will be introduced using the existing toll system's network of cameras for video surveillance, promised Zhelyazkov.

"As of today, we are putting an end to 'information feudalism' between state agencies. The systems of the National Revenue Agency, Customs, Border Police, Toll Administration and the Road Infrastructure Agency will be interconnected and unified to allow the exchange of information," the prime minister added.

The meeting comes in the wake of a series of protests in various cities following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in a serious traffic accident. Protesters are demanding much harsher penalties for traffic violators and more systematic control—especially when it comes to speeding. There is also public outrage over corruption in public procurement and the poor quality of road repairs across the country.