Athens’ seasonal traffic restriction system, known as the Daktylios (Traffic Ring), will be suspended from July 24 as the city enters the summer holiday period, when road traffic traditionally declines.
The measure, which has been in effect since October 20, limits access to central Athens based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate in an effort to ease congestion.
Until July 24, the system remains in force. Vehicles with license plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are permitted to enter the designated zone on even-numbered dates, while those ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 may enter on odd-numbered dates.
Where the Restrictions Apply
The rules apply within Athens’ Small Traffic Ring, an area encompassing the city center and bounded by major roads and avenues.
The restrictions are enforced Monday through Friday only. They do not apply on weekends, public holidays or days when public transport workers stage nationwide strikes. Drivers traveling exclusively on the boundary roads of the zone are also exempt.
From July 24, all vehicles will once again be able to circulate freely within central Athens without the odd-even license plate restrictions.
The Daktylios system is expected to be reinstated in the autumn, when the next seasonal enforcement period begins.
