Lawmakers rejected on first reading a proposal to create special free parking zones for parents near nurseries, kindergartens and schools. The parliamentary Committee on Regional Policy, Public Works and Local Self-Government voted against the amendments to the Road Traffic Act — 12 against, 5 in favor and 4 abstained. The bill was submitted by Venko Sabrutev along with a group of MPs on April 30, 2026, under number 52-654-01-23.

The idea behind the bill was to let municipalities decide for themselves where parking spots should be located near childcare facilities and schools. They would also set the hours and how long a car could stay parked. In their explanatory notes, the sponsors wrote that in many places — especially in big cities — there's simply nowhere to stop, which adds to traffic congestion around schools. There's another obstacle too: some nurseries, kindergartens and schools are located in paid parking zones, adding an extra expense to family budgets.

Under the bill, every school or childcare facility would need at least three designated spots. The minimum time allowed for dropping off or picking up a child would be one hour. Parking would be free only on working days during school hours and only within specific time windows. Parents would have to display a card or other document proving their right to park there. Enforcement would fall to the municipalities, with fines set for violators.

Speaking before the committee, Silvia Georgieva, executive director of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB), said the text needed to be far more specific. She argued that the term "nearby" was too vague — every parent could interpret it differently — so a clear, objective criterion was needed. She also raised the question of which institutions would fall under the law's scope — for instance, whether it would apply only to facilities listed in the official register of the Ministry of Education and Science.