Greek police conducted intensive checks in cars in the northern suburbs of Athens on Monday morning to confirm that drivers are supplied with anti-skid chains due to upcoming snowfalls at night.
Anti-skid chains are in fact mandatory from 10 o’ clock Monday night, January 29, 2024, following a decision by the Traffic Police director, media reported.
The decision of anti-skid chains or similar anti-skid means applies to cars of all categories as long as these vehicles do not have special tires during their circulation on the entire road network of the prefecture of Attica.
Fine of 80 euros will be imposed to drivers who don’t comply.
The measure and the fine valid from October 1 to April 30 each and every year “and when the prevailing conditions require it” was decided in September 2022 after heavy snowfalls trapped hundreds of motorists in the streets of Attica.
PS Snow is forecast in the northern suburbs of Attica and Athens on Monday, January 29. Why motorists in the south suburbs where it snows ‘once in a lifetime’ should have anti-skid chains it’s a secret only the government knows about…
“PS Snow is forecast in the northern suburbs of Attica and Athens on Monday, January 29. Why motorists in the south suburbs where it snows ‘once in a lifetime’ should have anti-skid chains it’s a secret only the government knows about…”
KTG – maybe the southern snow-less suburb dwellers have family in the northern suburbs?
As a matter of interest, are chains super expensive now? Decades ago I had family living in the Spanish mountains and everyone had chains – Norway must be the same?
I think that in most Nordic countries they fit studded tyres in the winter rather than relying on snow chains. Snow chains will certainly get you out of trouble but you cannot drive at normal speed on them. You have to drive very slowly. Studded tyres allow you to drive at pretty much normal speed. Chains are a good solution in countries where you only get snow intermittently and unpredictably. Using studded tyres would do a lot of damage to the roads in that situation.
Thank you – that makes perfect sense.
You can also use “snow socks” provided they comply to the relevant EU standard. Fine for the occasional use. Around €50 for a set of 2.