The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Vassilis Oikonomou, spoke to ERTNews about the redesign of the new Highway Code, emphasizing the renewal of the bus fleet as well as changes to fixed-track transit systems.

“We currently have 100 electric buses in depots, which we are expecting to roll out by January. We are systematically and steadily working toward our commitment that, by summer, we will have 950 new buses in Athens and Attica. By 2027, the entire bus fleet will have been fully renewed.

Now, having set and initiated the significant renewal of the bus fleet, we are also focusing on matters concerning fixed-track systems such as the metro and the electric railway (ISAP). These are issues for which there will soon be announcements about a specific program aimed at fully modernizing both the trains and their operations,” Mr. Oikonomou stated.

On the key changes to the new Highway Code, Mr. Oikonomou initially highlighted the introduction of lower speed limits in urban areas. Specifically, he emphasized that the maximum speed limit in city areas will now be capped at 30 kilometers per hour.

At the same time, regarding motorcycles, he mentioned: “We allow lane filtering, meaning motorcycles can move between stationary or slow-moving cars traveling up to 25 kilometers per hour. Anything beyond that, such as weaving through traffic, is prohibited. Motorcycles are not allowed to move between cars during faster traffic flows,” while he described helmet use as non-negotiable.

“Pedestrians also have obligations (…) Of the 630 fatalities we recorded in 2023, 100 were pedestrians—a massive figure,” he added regarding pedestrian safety.

On e-scooters, he clarified: “E-scooters will have rules. The maximum speed will be 25 kilometers per hour, and the rider must wear a helmet. To operate an electric scooter, the rider must be over 15 years old.”

Regarding the monitoring system for these measures, Mr. Oikonomou stressed: “We are already starting with traffic light cameras, which will be installed by the Traffic Police within 2025. By 2026, the programs for the remaining cameras will be completed, ensuring that cameras in bus lanes will also be fully operational.”