The traffic situation in Athens and the wider Attica region is under urgent review as congestion reaches critical levels, particularly along the Kifissos Highway, one of the city’s main arteries.
The Greek government is reportedly preparing a comprehensive plan to improve daily commuting, reduce congestion, and modernize traffic management. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to lead a high-level meeting on Wednesday, bringing together local authorities, law enforcement, and key stakeholders.
Increased Police Presence and Cameras
Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis said authorities plan to deploy more traffic police officers on motorcycles to quickly respond to congestion points. He also confirmed that 300 new cameras have already been installed at high-risk intersections to monitor red-light violations, while 1,000 additional cameras will be deployed by the Hellenic Police. Chrisochoidis noted that in 2025, traffic-related deaths decreased by 134, indicating that stricter monitoring is already having an impact.
Revisiting the “Daktylios” System
Among the proposals under discussion is a revamp of the current traffic restriction system in central Athens, historically known as the “daktylios” or ring system, which limits vehicle circulation based on license plate numbers. Experts say the current “odd-even” approach has become outdated and ineffective. Changes may include restricted hours for delivery trucks and targeted bans for older, more polluting vehicles to reduce environmental impact in the city center.
Authorities are also considering a central traffic coordination body and the possibility of modernizing major highways like Kifissos with advanced traffic management systems, similar to the Attiki Odos motorway, but without introducing tolls.
Long-Term Challenges
Traffic experts warn that without immediate interventions, the road network in the Athens metropolitan area may struggle to cope over the next five years. They also stress that public transport requires urgent reinforcement, including increased fleet size and personnel, to relieve pressure on the road network.
