Legal paths open for the implementation of intelligent transport systems in Macedonia

Concrete steps are being taken to amend five laws, with the aim of creating a legal basis for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) on the country’s road network. This initiative, stemming from commitments within the reform agenda, is being developed in close partnership with the European Union Delegation in Skopje.

Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Nikolloski announced that the legal changes are underway and also involve cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Local Self-Government. He made these remarks during the ceremony presenting new vehicles for the State Transport Inspectorate, which were donated by the European Union.

Nikolloski stressed that, thanks to a 13 million euro grant from the Western Balkans support mechanism and in cooperation with the World Bank, work has already begun on deploying these intelligent systems on Corridor 10. According to him, procedures with the World Bank and the European Union are nearing finalization, while in a second phase, attention will also focus on Corridor 8.

The relevant ministry has issued a tender for this project, with six international companies having bid. Technical documentation has already been finalized for the installation of weigh-in-motion (WIM) equipment for controlling vehicle weight, for the supervision of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) transport, and for measuring air quality along the A1 (E75) motorway, part of Corridor 10.

In parallel, documentation is being prepared for the National Traffic Management Center (NCUS), which will be responsible for monitoring, supervising, and managing traffic and mobility across the entire state road network. This center will provide information to corridor users on road conditions, traffic status, and travel. It is planned to be located within the premises of the Public Enterprise for State Roads in Petrovec.

The implementation of ITS is expected to bring significant improvements in transport services, providing real-time data to travelers, increasing safety through modern signage and accident warnings, and reducing travel time and pollutant emissions.