At Kontakt24, we received information that customers of the Bonarka shopping center in Krakow were stuck in huge traffic jams and could not leave the parking lot in the afternoon and early evening. In the line of cars – as one of Reporter24 warned – some people waited for several hours. – I confirm that the influx of customers has paralyzed traffic in the area, the police are on site trying to help drivers and directing traffic – told tvn24.pl junior trainee Mateusz Lenartowicz from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Krakow.
“I understand the time and increased traffic. However, it is easy to see that the financial profits of the center won over common sense and the safety of customers,” wrote to us Mr. Maciej, who – like many other drivers – could not leave the parking lot.
The police were alerted to the problems. Junior asp. Mateusz Lenartowicz said that police officers were sent to the site. – The officer on duty is trying to organize further patrols. The officers direct traffic in such a way that customers can join the traffic on the streets surrounding the center – said the policeman in an interview with tvn24.pl after 19.
A flood of customers
He emphasizes that the road infrastructure around the stores is not adapted to such a rush of people. – There are two exits from the center. While the situation was brought under control at one exit, the congestion persists at the other exit, he added.
The policeman said he was unable to estimate how long drivers had to wait to leave the shopping center's parking lots. – For my part, I appeal to drivers driving through Krakow to avoid driving in this area – emphasized the policeman.
After hours 20 reported that the situation is starting to return to normal. The congestion was largely relieved.
Bonarka Shopping Center is one of the largest in Krakow. It is located quite close to the city center, near the Mateczny roundabout, at Kamieńskiego Street, which is the exit road towards Wieliczka.
Main photo source: Google Maps