Parking Violations Soar in Western Greece, Hampering Accessibility

In 2024, there was a sharp increase in the number of parking violations obstructing sidewalks and accessibility ramps across Western Greece.

According to the Athens News Agency, data from the Greek police revealed that a total of 15,257 offenses were recorded in the three regional units of Achaia, Ilia, and Aitoloakarnania, marking a significant rise from 11,617 violations in 2023 and almost doubling the 8,157 violations recorded in 2022.

The most concerning violations involved the illegal parking of cars and bicycles, which blocked pedestrian paths, sidewalks, and cycle lanes, as well as access ramps and designated parking spaces for people with disabilities.

In particular, violations related to parking in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities or obstructing disability access ramps surged to 1,748 in 2024, up from 1,343 the previous year.

Other common offenses included illegal parking in pedestrian walkways, squares, and near entrances and exits to pedestrian zones, which together accounted for over 12,000 violations. Additionally, 909 offenses involved parking too close to pedestrian crossings, violating the required five-meter clearance.

The General Regional Police Directorate of Western Greece stated that their patrols are thorough, with immediate interventions when violations such as blocking disabled access ramps or obstructing pedestrian movement are detected.

Parking on access ramps and sidewalks is a widespread problem in Greece, and makes cities such as Athens basically inaccessible.

Source: tovima.com