Ruse Mayor Defends ‘Virtual Queue’ System for Trucks at Danube Bridge Amidst Driver Complaints
The mayor of Ruse, Penso Milocev, has spoken up in defense of the ‘virtual queue’ system implemented for trucks at the Danube Bridge, despite several driver complaints suggesting otherwise. The system, designed to manage traffic at the bridge, has come under scrutiny after some truck drivers reported being forced to stop at a private parking lot near the border to register, even after the abolition of the Schengen border controls on January 1, 2025.
Driver complaints, aired on Nova TV, alleged that civilian staff was redirecting them to the parking lot despite there being no queue on the bridge. Threats of police intervention were also reported if they refused to register. However, neither the mayor nor the regional governor condemned the practice at a joint press conference held today.
Mayor Milocev clarified that trucks are not required to pay a fee to obtain a number. The number is ‘free’ and meant to be used only when there’s a queue at the border. "It’s simply a safety measure to ensure an orderly traffic flow and prevent congestion," he explained, adding that the system has been successful in instilling discipline among hundreds of truck drivers passing through Ruse daily.
He went on to suggest that each border point should have an electronic queue system, managed by the state rather than private entities. "This way, we can ensure efficiency and fairness in traffic management," Milocev said.
Regional governor Dragomir Dragocev echoed similar sentiments, noting that all border checkpoints were vacant and calm during his recent inspection. He refuted claims that police were redirecting heavy traffic towards parking lots in the ‘Danube Bridge’ zone.
Nevertheless, concerns remain among truck drivers, with some questioning the necessity of the ‘virtual queue’ system post-Schengen. As the debate continues, Mayor Milocev urges drivers to cooperate, stating that following the rules ultimately benefits everyone by maintaining public order and facilitating smooth cross-border traffic.
