Headline: ‘Shengen Shock’: Trucks Only Passing ‘ Danube Bridge’ Via Private Parking Lot Numbers
In a surprising turn of events, just days after Bulgaria’s full integration into the Schengen Area, trucking firms have faced an unexpected hurdle at the ‘Danube Bridge’ crossing into Romania. Despite the promise of seamless travel, a novel requirement has emerged: trucks must obtain a number from a private parking lot before crossing the bridge, provided there’s no queue.
Nova Televizia reports that the first days of January witnessed confusion among truck drivers, who discovered they couldn’t cross the border without first securing a number from a private parking lot. In a recorded conversation, a truck driver service was told they could face police action if they failed to comply – a claim echoed by other transporters.
"Ivo Jordanov, a representative of a transport company, expressed surprise, ‘Why is this necessary? Doesn’t our vehicle automatically pass freely now that it’s January 1st and we’re in the Schengen Zone?’ We’re told to register with the virtual queue, but there’s hardly any traffic!"
Previously, these ‘virtual queue’ numbers helped manage long lineups of trucks. However, with traffic minimal since the new year, drivers question why they must still stop at private parking lots to secure numbers.
Jordanov adds, "I checked with the Automobile Administration, and they were clueless. Later, when I spoke to ‘Border Police’ in Ruse, they claimed they had no involvement.’ The Ministry of Transport also distance themselves, stating that the virtual queue system should assist drivers, not hinder them."
Regionally, the matter has been transferred to Ruse Municipality, which manages the parking lot and urban traffic. They’re expected to comment Monday.
No official reason has been given for this unexpected requirement, leaving truck drivers puzzled about Bulgaria’s Schengen debut.
