Macedonia and Bulgaria impose temporary heavy‑truck traffic bans

North Macedonia has introduced a provisional summer traffic regime restricting heavy trucks over 15 tonnes on state roads until 31 August. The ban applies on weekends (Friday 17:00‑22:00, Saturday 09:00‑18:00, Sunday 09:00‑22:00) and during extreme heat on weekdays (Monday‑Thursday 11:00‑17:00). Exemptions include vehicles carrying livestock, perishables, fuel, hazardous material and those involved in road‑maintenance projects. A separate restriction on the A2 highway between Skopje and Ohrid limits trucks above 7.5 tonnes on weekends until 1 September.

In Bulgaria, the road agency will limit trucks over 12 tonnes on the Trakia and Struma motorways, as well as the Kresna Gorge section, during the weekend of 3‑5 July. Restrictions run Friday 16:00‑23:00 (toward Burgas) and Sunday 15:30‑22:00 (toward Sofia). Exempt vehicles include passenger‑transport trucks, those carrying hazardous goods, live animals, fast‑perishing foods, temperature‑controlled cargo and emergency services. Drivers may use alternative routes such as the I‑6 and II‑19 corridors.

Both measures aim to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and facilitate smoother travel for tourists and local commuters during peak periods.