Plovdiv implements traffic regulations and low-emission zone grace period

Plovdiv is undergoing significant changes to its urban traffic management. Starting October 15, 2026, the Road Police will implement manual traffic regulation at four major intersections for one week. This initiative aims to alleviate morning peak-hour congestion, as automated traffic lights have struggled to adapt to dynamic traffic conditions. Officers will prioritize the heaviest directions to improve vehicle and pedestrian flow.

Simultaneously, the city is managing the rollout of its low-emission zone, known as the ‘Small Ring,’ which officially began on October 1. While the zone is active, municipal officials are providing a grace period until the end of November. During this time, drivers of older vehicles entering the restricted area between Russki, Tsar Boris III Unifier, Hristo Botev, and Shesti boulevards will receive warnings instead of fines.

These combined measures have already impacted city movement, with increased congestion reported on peripheral streets and boulevards such as Vasil Aprilov, Bulgaria, Vasil Levski, and Pobeda as drivers attempt to bypass the central zone.