site.btaPlovdiv Bans Old Cars in City Centre

From October 1, Plovdiv Municipality introduces its first low-emission zone for road traffic, with restrictions in place until April 30, 2027. The measure aims to reduce air pollution, Deputy Mayor for Ecology and Healthcare Ivan Stoyanov said.

The so-called "Small Ring" covers the area between Ruski, Tsar Boris III Obedinitel, Hristo Botev and Shesti Septemvri boulevards, and vehicles with Euro emissions standards Euro 1 and Euro 2 are banned from entering. Residents who own, rent or use homes within the zone will be exempt, provided their permanent address matches the property address. They must apply for a permit, which is valid for up to one year and covers one vehicle per household.

The rules do not apply to emergency and special-purpose vehicles, public passenger transport, transport for people with reduced mobility, or home social care vehicles, the Municipality said. Owners of historic vehicles will also be allowed to enter regardless of their emissions standards, with the appropriate documentation.

The restrictions will be signposted in Bulgarian and English and enforced by municipal parking officials. Violators will face fines under Bulgaria’s Clean Air Act.