Old, highly polluting cars banned from entering Sofia city centre as of December 1

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for cars in Sofia comes into force from today, December 1 until 29 February 2024. The zone is introduced in the so-called "small ring", which covers the area between "Vasil Levski" Blvd, "Patriarch Evtimiy" Blvd, "Gen. Skobelev” Blvd., "Opalchenska" street and "Slivnitsa" Blvd.

The Low Emission Zone was adopted by the previous City Council at the end of 2022 in compliance with a decision of the Sofia City Court. At that time, the court ruled that Sofia Municipality should take measures to introduce low emission zones as part of measures to improve air quality especially during the winter months.

The ban applies to cars in the first eco-group. The ban will not apply to cars owned by people with address registration in the area covered by the ban, as well as to people with special needs and disabilities. In order to be excluded from the ban, they are required to register their cars with the centre for urban mobility. Video cameras will scan the eco-stickers of the cars entering the area of the ban and drivers who do not respect it will be fined. The fine will be from BGN 50 to BGN 500.

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, however, explained that the previous municipality team had not conducted an active and clear awareness campaign and therefore there may be confusion among people. Therefore, at first violation, they will be warned and will not be sanctioned.

Road signs will be placed on the entrance streets along the boundary of the zone to indicate its extent. Vehicles for which access will be prohibited until the end of February will be able to use detour routes.