Massive exodus of excursionists for the First May with increased movement to national roads, delays on major axes and high occupancy rates at bus stations throughout the country.

The traffic situation throughout the country’s road network is particularly aggravated due to the massive transportation of excursionists for the three-day May Day, with highways receiving increased volumes of vehicles from early morning and large urban centres gradually “emptying” towards popular destinations. At the same time, mobility is also intense in the long-distance bus services, where high occupancy rates and reinforced routes are recorded to meet the increased demand, while on major roads delays are observed in places, in the context of the peak of the spring outing of citizens.

Due to the punctuality of travel due to fuel prices, more than a few people have taken the opportunity of the May Day weekend to escape to catch May.

Increased traffic on the highways

Traffic on the highways has been very heavy since the morning.

The situation was particularly bad at the Elefsina tollgate, where queues of vehicles were formed both before and after the toll stations from early afternoon. The increased flow, combined with the restriction of the transit lanes, has caused significant delays for drivers.

According to the information, on Attiki Odos from the morning of May Day delays were recorded from Aspropyrgos to Elefsina, reaching 20 to 25 minutes. Similarly, on the Athens-Lamia highway, delays ranged from 10 to 15 minutes.

The Traffic Police is on the alert, taking measures to facilitate traffic. In this context, heavy vehicle traffic is banned until 1:00 pm, while similar traffic regulations will be implemented during the return of the excursionists.

Drivers are asked to show special caution, to observe the Road Traffic Code and to be armed with patience as the exodus is peaking.

Buses at Kifissos Bus Station are at full speed

The passenger traffic at Kifissos Bus Station is also particularly high, with a large number of travellers since yesterday. The occupancy rate remains at very high levels, with the companies reinforcing the schedule of departures with special routes in order to meet the increased demand.

The most popular destinations are Aitoloakarnania, Achaia and Messinia, with the Peloponnese attracting the most interest from excursionists.

A characteristic feature of the increased traffic is the fact that, according to agency employees, demand for some destinations exceeds even that of the Easter season. Indicatively, routes such as the one to Preveza departed in full, with many passengers having to wait for the next available bus.

Despite the fact that today is May Day, the departure of excursionists continued unabated, with travelers of all ages taking advantage of the holiday for a short getaway.

Traffic at the Malgara toll road

Outside the walls, excursionists are rushing for the May Day weekend, albeit reluctantly, due to the bad weather.

It is typical that from early morning today (1/5) until 10 a.m.p.m., very few vehicles passed through the Malgara toll road on the exit stream from Thessaloniki, with traffic beginning to increase shortly before 12 noon.

In fact, when a 200-meter queue formed, officials allowed free passage in order to restore the flow.

The Traffic Police is on heightened alert in Northern Greece as well, in order to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the excursionists.

The Thessaloniki Traffic Police Directorate, in cooperation with the AHEPA of Thessaloniki, proceeded to offer free alcohol tests to drivers. Each driver can undergo the test on their own and the result will show if they have consumed a significant amount of alcohol, which will affect their driving, in which case they should stay off the wheel until their blood alcohol level is reduced.

Smooth traffic on national road networks

According to the Traffic Police, traffic on national networks is proceeding normally and without any problems, as most of the May Day weekend excursionists left Attica.

In particular, the movement of vehicles on the Athens-Corinthos highway has been normalized, where earlier several delays were observed especially on the road section before the toll of Elefsina to Megara, as well as from Kinetta to Aghios Theodoros.

On the contrary, the exit of the excursionists from the Athens-Lamia highway took place without any particular problems.