The Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department says the traffic lights on the D8 are temporarily switched off for safety and traffic flow, but admits it makes life harder for local residents.
The switching off of traffic lights on the D8 main road in Župa Dubrovačka has been a hot topic in the wider Dubrovnik area for some time. While some welcome the faster flow of transit traffic, others warn of nearly impossible road crossings and dangerous situations for local residents. The Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department has now explained the reasons behind such decisions.
Župa Dubrovačka is a transit area through which vehicles from Dubrovnik flow daily towards the airport, Konavle, and further to Montenegro, and these days also to Albania and Kosovo. Several intersections with traffic lights on the D8 have become bottlenecks for drivers who want to pass through the area as quickly as possible and avoid congestion.
On the other hand, the main road has literally cut Župa in two. When the traffic lights are not working, it is almost impossible for pedestrians to cross the road, and for drivers trying to merge onto the D8 from local roads, it is extremely difficult if they follow traffic regulations. Accidents are also frequent on this stretch, further slowing down already heavy traffic.
Croatian Roads confirmed that the traffic lights are being turned off at the order of the traffic police. The Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department described in detail the procedure and reasons for making such decisions.
"In accordance with its legal authority, the police may, in certain situations, temporarily manage traffic, including altering the operation of traffic light devices, when necessary to ensure traffic safety and flow. Such decisions are made based on an assessment of the traffic situation, traffic intensity, and other circumstances on the ground, in cooperation with the responsible road authority and other competent bodies."
The police are aware that temporary changes create problems for residents of Župa Dubrovačka. In their response, they emphasized that they strive to find a balance between conflicting interests.
"We are aware that temporary changes to the traffic light operation may hinder the movement of local residents, and we strive to harmonize the needs of transit and local traffic with the primary goal of protecting the safety of all road users."
As we have learned, Croatian Roads confirmed that it is indeed the traffic police who issue orders to turn off the traffic lights on this section, confirming that this is an operational decision made on the ground, not a permanent change to the traffic regime.
