On Valentine’s Day, the Municipality of Athens sent a strong social message to drivers who park illegally and inconsiderately.

A broken heart with a message titled “You Don’t Love Me!” was waiting today on the windshields of those who double-parked, as well as those who blocked wheelchair ramps, sidewalks, pedestrian streets, and tactile paving for the visually impaired.

The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, signed his own message, emphasizing:

“Love isn’t just chocolates and flowers. It’s also caring about others. It’s giving space in the city for those who struggle to move – people in wheelchairs, on crutches, parents with strollers, grandparents. Love also means not parking like a jerk. Our goal today, with these hearts, is to send a powerful message and realize that Athens belongs to everyone.”

This campaign aims to promote empathy, increase awareness, and change driving behavior. Illegal parking makes everyday life difficult not only for people with mobility issues but for everyone.

Municipal Police teams, along with Mayor Haris Dukas, handed out fines to violators, along with the symbolic broken heart, featuring messages like:

“So what now? I won’t go to school because you parked both illegally and selfishly? I can’t get through with my wheelchair.”
Maria, from the ground floor.

“I saw the sun and thought I’d take the twins for a walk. Well, so much for that! You parked both illegally and selfishly!”
Sophia, from the third floor.

“I have crutches now, but once I’m better, I’ll just climb over your car the way you left it! You parked both illegally and selfishly!”
Lambros, from across the street.

The initiative was supported by the Department of Sanitation and Recycling, the Accessibility and Inclusion Team of the Municipality of Athens, as well as disability organizations, special education schools, parents’ associations of special schools, and civil society groups.