| Driving
in Athens/Greece |
| Athens
has long been known for its traffic congestion,
pollution and parking difficulties. Private cars are
only permitted to circulate in the city centre on
alternate days (the last number of the car's number
plate, odd/even, must coincide with the date). The
perimeters of the restricted area, known locally as the
δακτύλιο (dactilio/ring)
are marked on streets leading into the centre.
Occasionally, in the summer months when pollution can
reach dangerous levels, the perimeters of this ring are
expanded to include an outer ring. Private cars are
allowed into the outer ring using the odd/even criteria
and only taxis are allowed into the inner ring again
using the odd/even criteria. On these days all other
traffic is banned from entering the inner ring.
If you do decide to go
into the city centre by car you should bear in mind that
it is very hard to find a parking space. Empty plots of
land that are leased for car parking charge up to €10
per day and you have to leave your keys in the car so
that the attendants can move the vehicles around and
squash the optimum number of vehicles into a very
confined space. Do not be surprised to find scratches on
your car when you leave.
All things considered,
if you can, leave your car at home and travel into the
city centre by bus, metro or taxi.
If you are traveling
out of Athens, all National Roads charge tolls. There
are four main National Roads
1) Patras via Corinthos
2) Thessaloniki via Lamia and Larissa
3) Egnatia which runs across northern Greece via
Thessaloniki
4) Attiki which joins north and south Athens via Spata
and the new airport.
When completed this
road will link up with the Patras road at Elefsina.
You should be aware
that Greeks drive at great speeds even though the legal
speed limits on these roads is Km120/hr and that certain
older parts of the roads do not have central barriers
and have been the scene of many fatal accidents. Drive
with great caution.
Petrol is cheaper in Greece than many other European
countries. Be aware that petrol stations do not usually
stay open all night. A rote system operates in Athens
but on country roads you will have difficulty finding
petrol after 7pm so, if you are traveling a long
distance, you should start with a full tank.
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