Traffic police in the greater Athens area have stepped up checks on electric scooter riders, recording 495 violations during a 24-hour operation following two recent serious crashes involving e-scooters that critically injured two minors.
The targeted operation was carried out by police officers from across the Athens metropolitan area. Authorities said the checks were also prompted by repeated complaints from drivers and pedestrians about the uncontrolled use of electric scooters, particularly in central Athens.
The operation began at 6 a.m. Wednesday and continued into Thursday morning, with officers conducting targeted roadside checks of passing e-scooter riders.
Athens; street; street scenes; bus; public transport; scooter
Nearly 500 violations
A total of 689 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 495 traffic violations. Officers also found a minor riding an electric scooter.
The violations included 260 cases involving failure to wear a protective helmet, 28 for the absence or non-use of a speed limiter, 13 for failure to wear a reflective vest and 16 for carrying an additional passenger.
Another 175 violations involved uninsured vehicles, while two riders had entered roads where such vehicles were prohibited.
A total of 22 vehicles were immobilized and removed by tow trucks.
Authorities said the strict checks would continue in an effort to ensure compliance with road-safety regulations among electric scooter users.
