From tomorrow, the increased road safety measures will start throughout the territory and will apply during the festive period of Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.

During the festive period, the bans on the movement of trucks and cars with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tons will apply

The Police has drawn up a comprehensive traffic plan throughout the country’s road network, with the aim of the safe movement of citizens and the prevention of traffic accidents.

The measures will be gradually developed from December 22, 2023 to January 7, 2024, while they will escalate – peaking on days of mass exit-entry of vehicles, to and from major urban centers.

In this context, throughout the implementation of the measures, both the personnel and the means of the Hellenic Police, mainly of the Traffic Police Services, will be on increased operational readiness. Specifically, patrol cars, motorcycles and conventional vehicles will be made available, with the corresponding personnel and equipment for the effective policing of the country’s road network.

Special gravity will be given to the preventive and deterrent presence, through the implementation of traffic controls and drunkenness control (breathalyzer) in order to deal with “dangerous” violations, which are the main causes, mainly of fatal traffic accidents.

Specifically, the central points of the design include:

  • policing of the road network by sector, based on the particular traffic conditions of each region,
  • increased police presence and enhanced policing of the points of the road network, where there is a frequency of road accidents,
  • increased traffic policing measures at the entrances and exits of large urban centers, where heavy vehicle traffic is observed,
  • ensuring timely cooperation and coordination with all co-competent Bodies – Services, where this is required,
  • regulation of traffic with pedestrian traffic wardens, at key intersections, to avoid traffic congestion,
  • formation of general and special traffic control teams (especially for the verification of dangerous violations as well as violations that, based on statistical data, are responsible for causing serious traffic accidents such as excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal overtaking, use of mobile phones while driving, failure to use protective helmet – belt, worn tires),
  • increased traffic measures in places where mass passenger traffic is observed (airports, ports, stations, etc.),
  • traffic regulations in places where festive events will take place,
  • controls for arbitrary occupation of public spaces and parts of streets and sidewalks to secure parking spaces and
  • informing the citizens through the competent Communication Services of the House, in any case where it becomes necessary to inform the public widely about the existence of any traffic and other problems.

It is noted that, during the festive period, the bans on the movement of trucks with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tons will apply.

The Hellenic Police, on the occasion of the upcoming holiday season, reminds once again to all drivers and road users that road safety is everyone’s business.

In this context, it recommends to citizens:

  1. Before traveling, they should do a technical check on their vehicle and be informed about the condition of the road network and the weather conditions.
  2. Be especially careful while driving and observe the rules of the Road Traffic Code.
  3. To respect the road markings and comply with the instructions of the traffic controllers.
  4. Do not use mobile phones or other distracting devices while driving.
  5. Not to consume alcoholic beverages if they are going to drive.
  6. To protect children riding in the vehicle, using child seats.
  7. They must necessarily “wear” seat belts, just like helmets on motorcycles.
  8. Not to overestimate their driving skills and the technical capabilities of their vehicles.
  9. To respect and protect fellow passengers and fellow human beings who use the road network, driving their vehicle with responsibility and caution.