Slovenian MP proposes reclassifying coastal highway as expressway

Slovenian Member of Parliament Meira Hot has submitted a new initiative to reclassify the Škofija-Koper and Koper-Izola road sections as expressways. The proposal seeks to restore the status these sections held until the end of 2025 while maintaining free usage for passenger vehicles.

Hot argues that residents of Slovenian Istria should not have to choose between proper road categorization and free access. She contends that the physical design of the four-lane coastal connection, which includes separated traffic directions and the Markovec tunnel, remains unchanged despite the change in classification.

According to the initiative, the removal of vignettes for local residents has already helped reduce traffic diversion through local settlements. Hot is calling on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to clarify why reclassifying these sections as expressways cannot be achieved without reintroducing vignettes.