Greece: Parking Regulations in Athens

No Comments | November 20th, 2006 | Trackback

The center of Athens has been transformed, at least temporarily, by a new pay-to-park system that requires all vehicles in key downtown areas pay for the right to park through scratch cards or debit cards activated by cell phone. Prior to Nov. 20, parking was free and chaotic in Athens, but now some 5,500 spaces are regulated and patrolled by 120 officers who dole out $30 fines to violators. The new plan was put in place to reduce congestion and encourage use of mass transit. It will also require Athenians to adopt a new way of thinking about using their vehicles. No longer can they double park and walk away, at least in theory. On the first day of the new regulations, open parking spaces were visible all over the city, a situation unheard of just the day before.