Minister unveils details of new traffic management plan to reduce congestion

Tirana, January 8, 2025- Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has provided new details on the country’s traffic management plan, which aims to reduce congestion and support environmental targets.

Drawing inspiration from successful European practices, the plan will regulate vehicle movement based on license plate numbers. Balluku pointed to Athens, which has used this system for over three decades, resulting in a 50% reduction in traffic congestion. Vehicles will alternate their movement based on even or odd plate numbers.

"This is part of a climate strategy that we’ve had in effect since 2021," Balluku said. "Not only is it in place, but we’ve already started applying it. For example, in August, we introduced time restrictions for heavy vehicles, limiting their movement from Friday evening to Monday morning to ease traffic during the weekend."

Balluku also stressed that the plan aligns with Albania’s broader climate goals, aiming to meet European Union targets on carbon emissions. The government has opened the proposal for public consultation, considering feedback to refine the plan in line with EU decarbonization objectives.

“The goal is to improve traffic flow while contributing to sustainability,” she added.

Although there are no fines for non-compliance, the traffic management system forms an essential part of Albania’s broader national strategy for energy and climate action, which also seeks to align with the EU’s green policies.