Over 300 fines in Nikšić for illegal parking: “the goal is not punishment,” says municipal police

The municipal police in Nikšić have written more than 300 fines for illegal parking since the implementation of the amended traffic safety law began. In that municipal service they say their goal is not to punish citizens, but to teach them to respect traffic rules.

The large number of cars, the lack of parking spaces, but above all the irresponsible behavior of drivers, have resulted in vehicles parked illegally on streets, sidewalks, green areas and often even in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

The implementation of the amended law, which gave municipal police greater powers, is slowly confirming the view that only stricter fines can bring about a traffic culture. The picture on the streets of Nikšić is now different, but still far from ideal, says Municipal Police chief Veselin Čurović to RTCG. According to him, the streets have been restored to their function, although citizens still park cars illegally, but to a lesser extent than before.

Since the law’s implementation began, municipal officers have written over 300 misdemeanor orders, and offenders have been given the opportunity that, if they pay the fine within a set deadline, the cost to the family budget will be smaller. The fines are 100 euros, but if paid within the legal deadline of eight days, they are reduced to 50 euros, said Čurović.

The greater powers and increased controls have given municipal officers more work: there are 17 such officers in Nikšić, while three more positions have also been systematized. Čurović hopes the number of municipal police officers will increase and that investments will be made in technical equipment, so that the system can be fully closed.

He recalls that, in addition to increased control, bollards placed on carriageways in front of the Ratko Žarić school and the Zahumlje building have also had an impact in some places, where there were often traffic blockages. In the coming period, activities being carried out by the Secretariat for Municipal Affairs and Traffic and the Municipal Enterprise will continue also on National Heroes Street.

Source: RTCG