One-way signs ignored in Tetovo, endangering pupils on Ivo Ribar–Lola
Motorists continue to drive against new one-way signs on 17 streets, notably on Ivo Ribar–Lola where three schools are located.
Drivers in Tetovo are largely ignoring newly installed one-way signs on 17 streets, undermining a municipal plan to reduce congestion and creating hazards for pedestrians and schoolchildren.
One of the streets targeted by the changes, Ivo Ribar–Lola, has been converted to one-way traffic but motorists continue to enter it in both directions. The stretch in question is about 300 metres long and passes three schools and several state institutions, increasing the risk for children who walk to classes.
Residents interviewed on the street said the problem is partly a reluctance to change long-standing habits and partly a lack of adequate road infrastructure and traffic planning.
"The lack of respect for traffic signs stems from how the practical arrangements were made and the habits of citizens who are reluctant to change with such decisions. They are not completely resolved, especially the upper section with the one-way streets," one resident said.
Municipality defends changes as parking and congestion fixes
The Municipality of Tetovo says the new one-way scheme followed a traffic study and on-the-ground inspection and was introduced to ease parking problems and traffic congestion. The municipal spokesperson, Milena Vucheska, stated that the rerouting covers five urban blocks and that, under the latest decision, a total of 17 streets were modified.
Vucheska added that the aim of the measures is to regulate city traffic, increase vehicle flow and safety, and free up more parking spaces in the affected neighbourhoods.
Police traffic records show that 57 fines for improper or illegal parking were issued across the city during September, indicating enforcement efforts but also persistent parking problems.
Photo: press material from the event
