Traffic restrictions known as “daktylios” – ring – return in downtown Athens as of Monday, September 30, 2019. The restrictions aim at reducing air pollution and traffic jams.
From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, cars with license plates ending in even numbers can only enter the city center on even days of the month, while vehicles whose license plates end in odd numbers can only do so on odd days.
The restricted area is delineated by the following avenues and streets: Alexandras, Zacharof, Mesogeion, Pheidipidou, Michalakopoulou, Spyrou Mercouri, Vryaxidos, Ymittou, Ilia Iliou, Frantzi, Syngrou, Hamosternas, Pireos, Iera Odos, Constantinoupoleos, Achilleos, Karaiskaki Square, Karolou, Marni and Patission to the junction with Alexandras Avenue.
The measures do not apply to public holidays, as well as to the days of workers’ strike on all public transport means.
If specific reasons exist, the measures may be lifted by decision of the Minister of the Interior.
It is recalled that the fine for infringement of restriction or prohibition of traffic within the Ring is 200 euros.
Excluded from the traffic restrictions are:
- hybrid technology cars
- medical cars carrying the special label of the Medical Association and only the doctor as driver for the case of emergency services
- vehicles of disabled people injured during the war
- vehicles transporting patients in need of frequent treatment (eg kidney, cancer patients, people with poliomyelitis or people with disabilities), provided that patients are provided with a certificate from the Directorates of Regions of the country.
Residents of the ring-enclosed areas may be provided with a special card by the City of Athens. The cards are valid one hour prior to begin of their work outside the ring and two hours from the end of their working hours.
The traffic restrictions are usually lifted during the summer vacations, that is in July, August and September.
