Slovakia, Bratislava - The Slovak lorry drivers continue their protesting action against problems accompanying the introduction of the new electronic road-tolling system.

In effect since January 1, lorries of more than 3.5 tonnes have to pay for using motorways, highways and some sections of first-class roads in Slovakia using the new electronic road-toll system. However, the introduction of the system unveiled multiple mistakes in tolling and problems in system operation. Big numbers of lorries got stuck in long jams on Slovak borders from Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Slovak Government representatives tried to hide errors and mistakes in new tolling system for days, and only after protests and warnings of international transport companies they must finally agree that system is not ready completely. All previous protests of Slovak transporters were ignored.

By blocking important roads with their lorries, Slovak carriers wanted to express their discontent over the running of the newly-introduced system. The protest evoked traffic jams in major cities over Slovakia. The Slovak police began to sanction and intimidate protesting drivers.

Road-carriers ask the Government and Prime Minister Robert Fico personally to meet and discuss the problems in tolling system. The meeting with Prime Minister should take place on Monday morning, but only on Premier's condition that protests are discontinued.

Slovak Road Transporters Union decided to stop all blocking actions in all cities in order to meet the Prime Minister's conditions. Since Thursday morning, the only place partially blocked by lorries remains one of Bratislava's traffic arteries - Roznavska Street.

"I firmly hope that we'll be accepted by Prime Minister Robert Fico and that we'll discuss the issues that concern all of us in a proper way," said Jaroslav Polacek from the Association of Slovak Hauliers (UNAS).

The Slovak drivers in most cases support protesters, even though the lorries blocking roads made traffic complications. People in Bratislava express their support verbally and bring food to protesters staying on the street.

At the same time, the premier announced a meeting to take place on Monday with groups that he views as natural partners of the Government when it comes to issues concerning the road-toll system. The operation of the system isn't a problem, the problem only lies in its economic impact on hauliers, claimed Fico on state television STV on Sunday.

Fico also criticised foreign freight carriers that didn't prepare themselves for the launch of the electronic road-toll system in Slovakia in time, and then formed long tailbacks at Slovak border crossings waiting for the necessary on-board units.

On Monday morning, there was no traffic jams in Bratislava. Protesters waited for Prime Minister. However, Robert Fico decided to ignore the Association of Slovak Hauliers and hundreds of protesting lorry drivers.

[to be continued]

(Slovakia Today, compiled from TV and press reports)