Mass exodus of August vacationers

Emergency measures are being implemented by the traffic police in order to ensure safe movement of citizens and prevent traffic accidents due to the large-scale holiday trip ahead of August 15.

These include targeted road policing, strict enforcement of dangerous offences, and a ban on lorries and public transport during peak hours. Headquarters EL.AS. prepared a special plan for the safe movement of citizens and preventing road accidents throughout the country's road network.

The planning of the measures was carried out in the context of the orders of the Hellenic Police Headquarters for the full and permanent activation of patrols, coordination and supervision of all traffic services. What do the measures include:

• control of the road network by sectors, based on specific traffic conditions in each region,
• increasing police presence and targeting it at points on the road network where accidents frequently occur,
• intensive measures at the entrances and exits of major urban centres where there is an increased flow of traffic,
• special actions and strengthening of traffic measures in cities,
• strengthening measures in places of mass gathering of passengers (airports, ports, train stations, etc.),
• creation of general and special traffic control groups with an emphasis on checking dangerous violations that, according to statistics, are the cause of serious traffic accidents (speeding, drunk driving, illegal overtaking, use of mobile phones while driving, lack of a protective helmet, etc.),
• informing citizens through competent services about the presence of road traffic and other problems on the roads.

To implement the measures, patrol cars, motorcycles and regular vehicles have been allocated, as well as appropriate personnel and equipment to effectively protect the country's road network on a permanent basis.

During the days of mass exodus, a ban on the movement of trucks will be in effect with a maximum permissible mass of more than 3.5 tonnes, as specified in the joint decision of the ministers:

• for departure from city centers on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 16:00 to 22:00, and on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 08:00 to 13:00,
• on the days of mass return on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Greek police advise citizens to:

• Before you travel, check your vehicle and check road conditions and weather information.
• Be especially careful when driving and follow traffic rules.
• Observe road markings and follow the instructions of traffic controllers.
• Avoid using cell phones or other distracting devices while driving.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages if you are going to drive.
• To protect children while riding in a car, use child seats.
• It is necessary to fasten seat belts in cars and wear helmets (when riding motorcycles).
• Do not overestimate your driving skills and the technical capabilities of your vehicle.
• Respect and protect fellow travelers and others using the road network by driving responsibly and carefully.

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