The Federation is calling for no penalties and the emergency application of EU Regulation 561/2006, citing road network blockages caused by farmers’ protests.

The Hellenic Federation of Road Transport Operators (OFAE) has submitted a request to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, addressed to Deputy Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, seeking a temporary exemption from standard driving and rest time regulations for professional drivers, amid widespread farmers’ mobilizations that have resulted in road blockades across the country.

In its letter, OFAE notes that unpredictable and prolonged delays caused by the agricultural blockades make it extremely difficult for drivers to comply with existing regulations governing driving hours and mandatory rest periods.

In light of these circumstances, the Federation is requesting activation of the flexibility provisions allowed under European legislation in emergency situations.

Specifically, OFAE is requesting:

• a temporary extension of daily and weekly driving hours, strictly for the duration of the protests and related road closures, and
• no administrative penalties for drivers and transport companies, provided it can be demonstrated that any exceedance of driving hours was due to road blockades and not driver fault.

As emphasized in the letter, the measure is considered necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain, avoid unjustified fines, and above all, maintain road safety in an environment of increased pressure on professional drivers.

The letter is signed by OFAE President Apostolos Kenanidis and Secretary General Charalambos Tsochataridis, who state that they remain available to the Ministry for further clarification and are awaiting guidance following a decision by the political leadership.