Greek police (EL.AS) this week published a detailed “laundry list” of the number of checks and moving violations recorded over the summer in various parts of Attica prefecture, which includes the Athens-Piraeus agglomeration, in the wake of high-profile media reports this week showing impromptu street racing and make-shift “exhibitions” of motorcycle acrobatics.
In one telling instance, Skai television showed riders practicing “wheelies” and other stunts on the grounds of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA).
On its part, police announced that more than 52,000 traffic stops and checks were conducted between June and August, which resulted in the issuance of nearly 13,000 traffic tickets. Of the latter, 8,840 were issued for failure to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.
Other violations that earned traffic tickets from the Greek police were for driving without a license, lack of insurance, 516 instances of using a cellphone while driving, and even 547 instances of failure to mount a proper muffler – the latter resulting in noise pollution.
Recently, the Athens Municipal Police announced they renewed a partnership with EL.AS to bolster public safety in the Greek capital through a comprehensive four-year program.
Key priorities include reactivating the Unified Coordination Center for Daily Management, recruiting additional officers, regular patrols, traffic management during large events, conducting joint operations targeting illegal trade, and exchanging best practices.
