October 16, 2026

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Free parking at supermarkets is over: time limits are introduced


Large parking lots supermarkets Greece is switching to a controlled entry system with limited time of stay. This is not about a new practice, but about its official consolidation on a broader level.

In many stores in Athens And Thessaloniki a similar model has already been in place in recent years. Now the largest retail chains are formalizing it as a standard, strengthening control over the use of parking spaces.

The main goal is to protect places for real buyers and limit the use of parking lots as free city parking.

How the system works

Upon entry, the driver receives a special ticketwhich entitles you to free parking for a limited time – most often up to two hours.

To enter free of charge, the ticket must be confirmed at the store checkout. Such validation serves as proof of purchase.

If the time limit is exceeded or purchases have not been made, upon departure you will be charged according to the current tariff.

Experts note that the measure is aimed at reducing tensions that arose due to a lack of parking spaces, especially in densely populated areas. Formalization of current practice allows us to unify the rules and reduce the number of conflict situations.



Source link