TRAFFIC INCREASES ON CROATIAN ROADS LEADING TO THE ADRIATIC

( Editorial: --> 1142 ) ZAGREB, August 1 (Hina) - Heavy traffic was registered on roads in Croatia leading to the Adriatic Sea on Saturday morning, but there were no major delays reported according to the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) Information Centre. Border entries into Croatia, through its north-western region of Istria, from Slovenia also had increased traffic, but so far waiting times have not been long. Roads from Croatia's continental regions leading to the sea had a sharp increase in traffic, especially on the motorway and roads leading from Zagreb to Karlovac and on roads going through Karlovac (50km south-east of the Croatian capital). Traffic is exiting the motorway at Karlovac through eight lines and waiting times are long because of a slow down in traffic. Police are already directing traffic outside of Zagreb towards either the motorway or the old Karlovac road. Long convoys are passing through Karlovac and continuing on to roads heading to both the northern Adriatic (Rijeka) and the Lika highway which leads to Split and the middle and southern Adriatic. HAK has asked drivers to delay if possible their departures until the afternoon or evening hours, but otherwise remain patient and alert. Traffic has intensified on roads in Istria and all along the Adriatic tourist road. Heavier traffic is expected on border posts with Hungary later in the day. HAK reminded that vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes were banned from travelling along major road routes in Croatia on Saturday until 2pm. (Hina) mbr jn 011203 MET aug 98