Podgorica roads: 350,000 euros in fines collected in a single month

The Interior Ministry is preparing a new initiative to analyze where speed limits should be raised, lowered or kept on the roads, while traffic police data show that violations remain high.

Even though Podgorica’s streets were half-empty until September, around 350,000 euros in fines for various violations were collected within a single month, according to a TVCG report. Of that figure, about 90,000 euros were paid on the spot, said Ratko Furtula, commander of the Podgorica Road Safety Police Station.

Since the new Road Safety Law entered into force on August 7, traffic police have sanctioned around 3,370 drivers, while 350 drivers were deprived of their liberty for the most serious violations.

The main concern remains the use of mobile phones while driving. Police issue 50 to 80 fines within a few hours for phones alone. “Let me just send a message, a few seconds, nothing will happen,” says Furtula — but those few seconds often cause accidents with serious consequences.

The heaviest penalty imposed was 30 days in prison for refusing a psychoactive substances test, and a 2,500-euro fine for drunk driving. Just last week, in four hours (08:00–12:00), 110 drivers who had not fastened their seatbelts were fined — a total of around 16,000 euros.

Despite the high figures, Furtula says it is encouraging that drivers have understood the message: the police are on the ground for their safety.

Source: CdM