Greece’s highest administrative court has rejected a legal challenge brought by Santorini entrepreneurs against government-imposed traffic restrictions in high-risk areas of the island. The Council of State (StE) ruled that public safety takes precedence over economic freedoms, especially in areas facing geological hazards such as landslides.
The court’s decision follows increased seismic and volcanic activity on Santorini, prompting emergency regulations aimed at protecting both locals and visitors from potential landslide zones. The disputed ministerial decree, issued in May 2025, restricts vehicle traffic and public access to certain locations on the island, including Ammoudi Bay, a well-known area near the town of Oia.
Court Ruling Prioritizes Human Safety
In its ruling (StE 411/2025), the Council of State emphasized that the protection of human life and physical safety outweighs any business-related concerns. The court stated that civil protection measures should not be delayed or designed around commercial interests, particularly when they address documented natural hazards.
The measures had been introduced following expert assessments from the Hellenic Geological and Mineral Research Authority and the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, both of which confirmed the landslide risks in specific parts of Santorini, including steep caldera cliffs.
Background of the Dispute
A group of local businesses operating in Ammoudi Bay had sought to overturn the restrictions, arguing that the traffic ban harmed their operations and could have been replaced by less severe alternatives. However, the court rejected these arguments, ruling that the vehicle ban was both legal and scientifically justified.
The court also dismissed the claim that other, milder measures could have mitigated the danger, calling the challenge “inadmissible” in the context of a public safety emergency.
What the Measures Involve
The ministerial decision, which remains in force until November 15, 2025, includes:
- Vehicle restrictions on narrow roads leading to high-risk zones such as Ammoudi Bay and parts of Athinios Port.
- Controlled access for supply vehicles during morning hours (5:00–10:00).
- Pedestrian path closures, particularly those leading to or through unstable cliffside areas.
- Limited vehicle entry permits, coordinated by local authorities, to help visitors access designated locations safely.
- Maritime access to Ammoudi remains permitted.
Additionally, several short-term protective measures have already been implemented, including the removal of loose rocks and soil, cleaning of debris from retaining walls, and reinforcement of netting in hazardous zones. More comprehensive, long-term projects—including the construction of new retaining structures—are scheduled for after the end of the 2025 tourist season.
Source: tovima.com
