Vrbas residents live in fear of speeding drivers

Residents of Milivoja Čobanskog Street in Vrbas, Serbia, live in constant fear. Despite a 40 km/h speed limit, drivers frequently exceed 120 km/h, with some reaching 160 km/h. This excessive speed creates unbearable noise and vibrations that shake entire houses. "On my life it has a big impact, because I have to lie down, I am seriously ill. I'm telling you, luxury cars, 120 (km/h), nobody goes below, 140, 160 – that's impossible," said one resident.

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On my life it has a big impact, because I have to lie down, I am seriously ill. I'm telling you, luxury cars, 120 (km/h), nobody goes below, 140, 160 – that's impossible.

Crossing the street has become a dangerous ordeal, with some residents waiting up to 15 minutes. The street serves as a bypass for drivers coming from the highway towards the border, exacerbating the problem. The excessive speed has led to numerous accidents. One resident reported two accidents in the past year due to reckless drivers, and another recounted how his aunt was in a coma after being hit by a speeding car. A motorcyclist also crashed into a neighbor's car.

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They barely gave me some paper with some QR code that actually leads nowhere except to e-government. I have tried calling the Municipality of Vrbas by phone several times, they always answer, they always transfer me to the third floor where those in the Commission are, but imagine – no one is ever there, I can't reach anyone and get an official answer.

Despite years of petitions and appeals, local authorities have failed to address the issue. Residents have received only bureaucratic responses, with attempts to contact the relevant commission proving futile. "They barely gave me some paper with some QR code that actually leads nowhere except to e-government. I have tried calling the Municipality of Vrbas by phone several times, they always answer, they always transfer me to the third floor where those in the Commission are, but imagine – no one is ever there, I can't reach anyone and get an official answer," said one resident.

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It's risky. A child literally can't leave the gate. The gate must be locked, because two steps are enough for a car to hit them.

The situation has made daily life perilous, especially for children. "It's risky. A child literally can't leave the gate. The gate must be locked, because two steps are enough for a car to hit them," a resident stated. Residents have lost count of the animals killed by speeding vehicles and are now threatening direct action if authorities do not intervene soon. "From Monday, if they don't start working, then I will sit in this chair, every day, in the middle of the road," one resident declared.

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From Monday, if they don't start working, then I will sit in this chair, every day, in the middle of the road.