Greek traffic authorities have announced heightened road safety measures for the Holy Spirit holiday weekend, a time when many locals traditionally travel to the countryside or the coast. In order to ensure the smooth and safe movement of holiday travelers, temporary restrictions will be imposed on the circulation of heavy trucks throughout the national road network.

Truck Restrictions During Peak Travel Hours

To minimize congestion and reduce the risk of accidents, a temporary driving ban for trucks weighing over 3.5 tons will be enforced on key highways during peak departure and return periods. The restrictions apply as follows:

Outbound Traffic (Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7):

  • Friday, June 6: From 16:00 to 22:00
  • Saturday, June 7: From 08:00 to 13:00

Highways affected include:

  • A8 (Athens–Patras): From Elefsina to Rio-Antirrio bridge toll stations.
  • A1 (Athens–Thessaloniki): From Agios Stefanos to Raches Fthiotidas and from Makrychori to Leptokarya.
  • Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania: Towards the Halkidiki region.
  • A11 (Schimatari–Chalkida): Towards Chalkida.
  • Thessaloniki–Kavala National Road: Towards Kavala.
  • A5 (Ionia Odos): From the Rio–Antirrio bridge to Ioannina.
  • A7 (Central Peloponnese Motorway): From Corinth to Kalamata.
  • A71 (Lefktro–Sparta): Towards Sparta.
  • Antirrio–Arta–Ioannina National Road: Towards Ioannina.
  • Thessaloniki–Polygyros National Road (EO16): Towards Polygyros.
  • A3 (Central Greece Motorway): Towards Kalabaka.
  • A52 (Aktio–Amvrakia): Towards Aktio.

Inbound Traffic (Monday, June 9):

  • Monday, June 9: From 16:00 to 23:00

Highways affected include:

  • A8 (Patras–Athens): From Rio-Antirrio bridge toll stations to Elefsina toll stations.
  • A1 (Thessaloniki–Athens): From Leptokarya to Agios Stefanos.
  • Nea Moudania–Thessaloniki: Towards Thessaloniki.
  • A11 (Chalkida–Schimatari): Towards Athens.
  • Kavala–Thessaloniki National Road: Towards Thessaloniki.
  • A5 (Ionia Odos): From Ioannina to Rio.
  • A7 (Kalamata–Athens): Towards Athens.
  • A71 (Sparta–Lefktro): Towards Lefktro.
  • Ioannina–Arta–Antirrio National Road: Towards Antirrio.
  • Polygyros–Thessaloniki National Road (EO16): Towards Thessaloniki.
  • A3 (Kalabaka–Lamia–Athens): Towards Athens.
  • A52 (Aktio–Amvrakia): Towards Amvrakia interchange.

Vehicles Exempt from the Ban

The restrictions do not apply to:

  • Roadside assistance vehicles.
  • Postal and newspaper delivery trucks.
  • Trucks transporting live animals or perishable food (meeting minimum volume criteria).
  • Cranes providing emergency road services.
  • Water tankers involved in firefighting.
  • Refrigerated trucks carrying fresh produce.
  • Trucks transporting animal by-products for processing (with proper documentation).
  • Utility company vehicles responding to emergencies (electricity, telecom, gas).
  • Fuel tankers supplying firefighting equipment.
  • Vehicles carrying equipment for concerts or film/TV productions.
  • Trucks transporting medical oxygen.
  • Civil protection and emergency response vehicles.
  • Maintenance vehicles operated by motorway management firms.
  • Vehicles belonging to child welfare organizations.
  • Trucks carrying race cars and their service equipment.
  • Vehicles transporting military or atomic energy materials.

Road Safety Reminders for All Drivers

The Hellenic Traffic Police urge all drivers to prioritize safety during the holiday weekend. They advise motorists to:

  • Perform a vehicle check before traveling.
  • Stay informed about road conditions and weather forecasts.
  • Obey all traffic signs and follow police instructions.
  • Avoid distractions, such as mobile phones, while driving.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Use child safety seats for young passengers.
  • Wear seatbelts and helmets at all times.
  • Drive cautiously and within their own and their vehicle’s limits.
  • Show consideration for other road users.