– Four signs bearing the name “Bolesławiec” have been installed in pairs before the exit, on both sides of the motorway – reports Joanna Wąsiel, spokesperson for the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA). – The first sign in each pair has been placed approximately 300 metres before the exit, while the second is positioned just before the bend itself. Additionally, the name “Bolesławiec” will appear on large directional signs above and beside the motorway.
In September, councillor Bogusław Nowak and a dozen or so Glinoludy organised a protest, drawing the attention of the authorities and the media to the fact that Bolesławiec did not have a properly signposted exit from the new section of the motorway. The councillor submitted interpellations on the matter several times during City Council sessions. Each time, he received a similar response: the signposting of national roads does not fall within the competence of the municipal authorities.
– In accordance with the regulations, directional destinations are placed on signs (the locality where a given road begins and the locality where it ends) – explains Joanna Wąsiel. – Until now, the directional destinations on provincial road no. 297, which passes over the A4, were Jelenia Góra and Zielona Góra. This signposting is found at all intersections along this road. However, in response to considerable public demand, we have introduced the direction “Bolesławiec” on the signs – says Joanna Wąsiel.
A letter informing officials of the public need for such signposting was sent by the City Hall. The mayor argued that properly signposting the exit was especially important for businesses operating in the city, as it would make it easier for travellers, tourists and customers to reach Bolesławiec. As explained in the letter to GDDKiA, people travelling on the motorway would not choose the lower-standard road leading through Bolesławiec.
Asked to comment on the current situation, councillor Bogusław Nowak said: “I am not satisfied. I was the initiator of the Glinoludy protest. We did not achieve our goal.” The councillor did not state the reason for his dissatisfaction.
As we learned from Joanna Wąsiel, the City Hall may also approach the Polish Tourist Organisation (POT) with a request to install signs on the motorway informing travellers about Bolesławiec’s attractions. Boards reading “Bolesławiec – Poland’s city of ceramics” or “The longest viaduct in Poland” could encourage travellers to visit the city.
– We informed the City Hall of the need to submit an application to POT – explains Joanna Wąsiel. – If POT gives it a positive opinion, the application must then also be approved by GDDKiA. So far, the proposal has not been submitted.