Expanded road safety measures and public transport upgrades have been announced by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakisin an interview with SKAI. Central to the new road traffic code and road safety, the Minister presented a series changes that are expected to affect significantly Daily drivers and passengers.
24 -hour subway and tram for a Saturday – pilot in July
The news that stands out concerns the pilot 24 -hour subway operation, of tram and night bus routes for a Saturday in July. “We want to see how the world responds and if the measure can be expanded,” Mr Kyranakis said, Underlining the attempt to enhance the nightcaping, Especially during the summer months.
New speed limits and gradual fines to the new CMC
With a clear goal of reducing traffic accidents, The new Road Traffic Code provides stricter measures, Especially for offenders who relapse. As the Minister explained:
Municipalities will be responsible for setting the new speed limits per road, categorizing 30, 50 km/h or more.
Fines for speed breach will escalate:
1st time with +50km/h: 700 € and diploma removal for 60 days
3rd time: 2000 € and diploma removal for 2 years
For deadly traffic accidents, Penalties arrive from 10-20 years of imprisonment or even life imprisonment, in cases of many accidents.
Use of mobile and telephone confidential
Another significant incision concerns the removal of telephone privacy in the event of a traffic accident. Since there is suspicion that the driver was talking to the mobile, will be checked to confirm use. The minister clarified that navigation is excluded by implementation, since the mobile is fixed on a special basis.
Digital Traffic Map – a new era to prevent
Mr. Kyranakis presented the new digital road conflict map (accidents.maps.gov.gr), which already operates in Attica. This tool:
It detects the points with a high frequency of traffic accidents.
It collects data from insurance companies and EKAB.
It is intended for use by municipalities and regions to plan targeted interventions.
“If there is an accumulation of accidents, local authorities should act,” the minister said, adding that the goal is to save lives and reduce the number of traffic accidents.
Urban Transportation – 1000 new buses by the end of the year
In addition to institutional interventions, The minister also announced boosting the bus fleet. Since tomorrow, 50 new vehicles are added to Athens and the goal is to reach 1000 new buses by the end of 2025, both in the capital and Thessaloniki.
Security cameras on buses
Finally, as Mr Kiranakis informed, the first 10 security cameras have already been installed on city buses and will be in operation since July. The generalized Installation is expected to start in September, enhancing safety and supervision in the means of transport.
With a mixture of digital modernization, tightening of legislation and public transport enhancement, the new planning of the Ministry of Transport is attempting to put a brake on the danger of Greek roads and improve citizens’ experience in urban commutes.