“By 2026, about 1,400 cameras will be installed at traffic lights (388 in 2025 and 1,000 more in 2026) as designated by the traffic police of the Attica region. So, from mid-2025 onwards, you will see traffic lights equipped with cameras that will monitor violations,” stated Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Vassilis Economou during his interview on the ERTNews program. He also referred to sweeping changes and stricter penalties introduced in the new Highway Code for electric scooters.
He specifically noted: “We want to encourage the use of scooters, bicycles, and walking, which promote mobility. That is why we are reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h in city residential areas, but not on main roads. This change allows people to move around more safely using these types of vehicles.
We want human-friendly cities; we want to reduce car use and encourage public transport, such as buses and the metro (…)
There is a nice area along Thessaloniki’s coastal road where you can ride your bike or scooter across almost the entire city (…) We have now opened the urban promenade along the Athenian Riviera. It’s a 20-kilometer stretch with bike lanes and paths for walking and scooter riding.
Therefore, we are creating space for scooters with regulations. For instance, scooters with a speed limit of 6 km/h are designated for users aged 12 and above. Electric scooters with a speed limit of 25 km/h are intended for users aged 15 and above. Helmets are mandatory, and the rider must wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight (…)
The child who had an accident recently on Mesogeion Avenue had no business being on a major road with a scooter. It’s unthinkable. Parents need to understand this (…) Every parent must realize that they cannot allow a 10- or 12-year-old child to go on major roads like Syngrou or Kifisias (…)
We are not here to impose punitive measures just to chase after people. We want to reduce traffic accidents.”
On regulating scooter use in tourist areas, he mentioned:
“These provisions need to be established now. We have already started discussions with the Ministry of Tourism because these services are primarily targeted at tourist areas where visitors use scooters (…) While we used to have companies renting out cars or motorcycles, we now see a shift. Companies are renting bicycles and scooters (…)
You cannot leave a scooter on a disabled ramp. No one should be on a disabled ramp.
These are fundamental principles of respect. That’s why we have introduced penalties for antisocial behavior (…).”
Regarding the new Highway Code, he highlighted:
“The entire new code updates regulations and introduces new ones, such as lowering speed limits and shifting responsibility from the vehicle to the driver.
The driver is held accountable, not the vehicle. That’s final. Secondly, we lowered the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. Thirdly, we aim to assist motorcyclists and riders of two-wheel vehicles by providing priority at traffic lights and special designated areas at intersections.
We support motorcycling, but always with helmets. There is no excuse for a motorcyclist without a helmet. Penalties are very strict, and we will be uncompromising on this issue. These are rules of life, not punishment. We follow them to save lives (…).”
Traffic light cameras are coming
On the implementation of traffic light cameras, he emphasized: “We want proper enforcement, and I believe every citizen now expects this. Bus lanes and traffic lights need monitoring. By 2026, 1,400 cameras will be installed at designated traffic lights in the Attica region.
Starting from mid-2025, you will notice cameras at traffic lights recording violations. A police officer will verify each violation, confirming it remotely (…)
The footage will be stored in a central system that captures the image. The officer will verify the violation, and you will receive an electronic notification on your phone within two days. Forget about waiting for years to receive a fine (…) There will be an option for electronic appeals.
We want buses to stay on schedule. People need to regain trust in public transportation.”
On uninsured vehicles, he added: “We are collaborating with the Ministry of Digital Governance. A cross-checking algorithm will identify uninsured vehicles, those without technical inspections (KTEO), and unpaid road taxes. Those who tend to overlook these obligations will soon find that evading them is no longer possible. These measures were passed in Parliament a few months ago, and the checks will begin. No one will be able to escape their responsibilities.”
“I expect that the new Highway Code will be voted on in Parliament by December,” Mr. Economou concluded.
