The new Road Traffic Code will be filed for a vote in Parliament, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis in a speech at an event for the 20th anniversary of the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute.

According to a statement by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Hatzidakis presented data that the situation in our country on road safety has improved but the picture remains worse than the EU.

As he said: “We have fewer conflicts, fewer dead, fewer injuries. In 1998, when the worst performance was recorded, 2,182 people had lost their lives. In 2023, they reached 627. We have taken steps, so, but they are not enough. Because compared to the European Union, the elements are not encouraging at all. Between 2019 and 2024 we had a 3% reduction in fatal traffic. When the corresponding decrease in the European Union was 13%. In 2024, however, we had an increase of 4% compared to 2023. That alone shows that no complacency can fit. “

At the same time, Mr. Hatzidakis presented 5 Policy Axes for Road Safety including:

1. Modern infrastructure that protects

“The Patras-Pyrgos road axis will be completed within the year. Several pieces of E65 have already been delivered, and the northern part is expected to be delivered early next year. We build the Flyover in Thessaloniki. Last Friday, contracts for the north road in Crete were signed. These projects are not only a developmental dimension. They also have a positive reflection on enhancing drivers ‘safety’, he said.

2. Sustainable and safe movement by public transport

According to the details provided, above From 400 new buses already in Athenswhile by the end of the yearwill exceed 950. At the same time, works for the metro line 4 began, the Thessaloniki Metro was delivered after 18 years and the expansion to Kalamaria was delivered to the beginning of next year. In addition, the subway was expanded until 2:30 in the morning on Friday and Saturday, with 24 -hour fixed track operation on weekends. “Strengthening public transport is not just a matter of traffic or environment. It is also a safe alternative to moving citizens’, Mr. Hatzidakis underlined.

3. The new road traffic code

Predicts among other things a decrease in limit speed to cities from 50 to 30 km/h while classifying violations into 4 categories, depending on their risk: low, medium, high and high with particular impact on road safety.

For severe infringements – hypertension speed, non -compliance with red traffic light, driving under the influence of alcohol – penalties become truly rigorous: fines of up to 1,500 euros, diploma removal for months, and even imprisonment.

At the same time, there is a escalation of sanctions for drivers who often fall into violations.

4. More checks, by utilizing modern technologies

In recent years, both the checks and the violations that are confirmed have multiplied. “Traffic cannot be ubiquitous. New technologies, however, can play a decisive role in this endeavor, “said Hatzidakis. In this context, as he said: “Until the summer, 388 cameras will be installed on the streets of Attica. The goal is for the cameras to reach 2,000 and another 500 to be placed on buses on the move to control the buses. The installation of the extra cameras will begin at the end of the year. These cameras will control a series of violations, such as speed -limit, breach of a red traffic light, mobile use, non -use of helmet. Violations will be automatically and digitally confirmed and will engage in citizens through Gov.gr. “

5. Road Education

“We have to teach young children that a good driver is not the one who runs too much or makes dangerous overtakes. But the one who drives safely, the one who shows respect to both the other drivers and the pedestrians. “the Vice -President of the Government noted.

He added that the Road Safety Institute, with thousands of seminars, simulators, speeches, has entered school classrooms, camps, universities and that it is the obligation of the state to support its work. In this context, he announced that the Government is meeting a request by the Institute:

“At the Grand SEA, on the Athens-Patras Highway, we are finally proceeding to the installation of road safety promotion. The relevant ministerial decision was signed on Friday by the Minister Christos Dimas. It’s a way to tell you a big thank you for your valuable actions’, Mr. Hatzidakis stressed and concluded:

“Every life lost on the asphalt is a story that has not been completed. It’s a house that stays mute. Let us do – politicians, carriers, each citizen separately – everything we can, to enhance road safety. It’s not a technical issue, it’s not a financial issue, it’s not even a legislative issue. It’s a matter of humanity. “