Although the National Parks of Montenegro (NPCG) announced in March three new parking spaces for buses and 98 parking spaces for cars in order to solve the long-standing problem of lack of parking in this Bar region, that project has not yet been realized.
"Vijesta" did not answer the question of when the parking lot will be put into operation from this state-owned enterprise.
They explained that during the work on the preparation and implementation of activities and analysis of the best possible solutions when it comes to the problem of lack of parking spaces in Virpazar, they came to the conclusion that instead of manual ramps, as was originally planned, it is more appropriate and efficient to install electric ramps as would facilitate the functioning and work of employees and arrange the space according to all standards.
"In this regard, it was necessary to create a new conceptual solution and electrical installation project, after which we have to obtain a new permit from the competent Environmental Protection Agency for carrying out work within the protected zone of the park. Also, it is necessary to submit all the necessary notifications regarding the arrangement of the temporary parking lot to the Municipal Inspection," they stated.
Bearing in mind how important and prioritized this issue is, according to them, they are working intensively to enable citizens and tourists to use the organized and safe parking space in NP Skadarsko jezero as soon as possible.
From the Municipality of Bar, they told the newsroom that the mentioned parking lots are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the NPCG and that they have been appealing to the local administration level for several years and are trying to speed up the processes in communication with that company.
"When it comes to the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Bar, the only obligation was the consent of the chief city architect to the conceptual design of temporary parking facilities at four locations in Virpazar provided for by the amendments to the Program of Temporary Facilities for the Skadar Lake NP area," they said.
In addition, they noted that in September 2023, the city's chief architect issued a resolution approving the conceptual solutions of the parking lot in accordance with the NPCG program.
What did NPCG say in March?
"Regarding the expected date of establishment of the parking lot, we are taking all necessary steps to complete the works on time, before the start of the season. Putting the parking lot into operation also depends on factors such as weather conditions and others that can be difficult, but we strive to overcome the challenges as soon as possible, especially taking into account the quality of the performance," NPCG said in March.
They explained that the use of these locations will require the payment of an hourly fee, depending on the type of vehicle - 50 cents for motorcycles, one euro for passenger vehicles, two euros for off-road vehicles, three euros for passenger vans and five euros for buses, and that the be used as income from parking fees for further investments in infrastructure and improving the tourist offer.
"The lack of organized parking lots in Virpazar and Vranjina, extremely frequented locations, represents a long-standing problem for local businessmen and the population, but also in the performance of the legally defined activities of the employees of NP Skadarsko jezero," said the National Parks.
This public company clarified that they act in accordance with the programs of temporary facilities in the areas of national parks, which define the locations where temporary facilities are to be installed, and which are adopted by the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property.
"The goal of the parking lot is to ensure access for visitors and ensure minimal impact on the environment, contributing to the development of tourism. Permits were obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency and the chief city architect, following legal procedures. More precisely, in October 2023, a decision was received from the Environmental Protection Agency for actions, activities and activities related to the installation of temporary parking lots, in accordance with Article 40 of the Law on Nature Protection", they said.
They received approval for the conceptual solutions from the chief city architect in September of last year.
There are fewer tourists this season, but there is no problem with parking
President of the Virpazar local community Tomo Uksanovic, said that they had no communication with the authorities on this issue during this summer season. According to him, the reason for this is the smaller number of cars in Virpazar this season and the space under the renovated hotel in that neighborhood.
"The conclusion of the local population is that we simply do not have a problem with parking this year. Maybe because of the smaller number of tourists, or because of the possibility of parking under the hotel. We cannot say that we have a problem like last year," he concluded.
He also emphasized that in Virpazar there is a noticeable frequent control by the municipal and traffic police, which contributed to the fact that they have fewer problems with illegal parking this summer season.
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