All vehicles parked in double rows on public roads, blocking access for emergency services such as the police, ambulances, or fire brigades, will face penalties of up to one year in prison, according to amendments to the new Road Code.

Although the Minister of Justice stressed that double parking will be treated as a criminal offense only in cases where it obstructs the movement of emergency vehicles, the changes have nevertheless sparked debate and uncertainty among citizens and experts.

“The problem here is that every violation of the Road Code has a specific penalty, and the countermeasure taken must be proportional and not disproportionate to the driver’s action. This is an administrative violation and should be considered as such… If roads are blocked violently, during demonstrations or strikes, that constitutes a violent act and then responsibility is assumed by law enforcement authorities,” said Mamir Hodo, a road safety expert.

The amendments to the Criminal Code, which include prison sentences of up to one year for double parking that blocks emergency vehicles, were approved in Parliament with 85 votes in favor from the ruling majority. The law is expected to be decreed by President Bajram Begaj, and then published in the Official Gazette before entering into force.