O Michalis Chrysochoidis announced sweeping changes to the framework for the circulation of electric skates, even putting on the table a complete ban on their use by minors.
The Minister of Civil Protection, speaking to ERTnews, presented the new plan for road safety, he referred to the situation in universities, the traffic chaos in Athens and the fight against crime.
At the same time, he sent a clear message of zero tolerance to delinquency phenomena, while he described the well-known “pigs” on the islands as “very dangerous vehicles”, even calling for their abolition.
Strict framework for electric scooters
The minister made it clear that the government is preparing a new strict legislative framework for electric scooters, with particular emphasis on the protection of minors and pedestrians.
As he said, “All scooters must have a cut-off switch, must not be driven on expressways and must have compulsory insurance.”
He revealed that the new bill will also provide for specific markings and an identification number for each scooter, while municipalities will be given the option to set a specific maximum number of vehicles per area.
In particular, his reference to a ban on underage use was particularly striking, as he clearly stated that there would be a “complete ban on minors”.
The minister stressed that uncontrolled travel on scooters poses serious risks: “We cannot witness injuries to children on a daily basis,” adding that “unrestricted scooters are dangerous for both users and pedestrians.”
Chrysochoidis: “Pigs on islands must be abolished”
Referring to the summer season and the road accidents that occur every year on Greek islands, Michalis Chrysochoidis appeared particularly strict on rental vehicles.
“One cannot rent a motorbike without a helmet and without a license,” he stressed, emphasizing the controls that will be intensified ahead of the summer.
He also made a special reference to the well-known “pigs”, saying that “we need a complete ban on this type of vehicle from the country”, while describing them as “very dangerous”.
What he said about universities and incidents
The minister also commented on the incidents of tension that occurred during the recent student elections, which he described as “isolated”.
He explained that the incidents stemmed from clashes between student factions, but insisted that a tighter security framework was needed inside universities.
“We don’t need university police. We need security in universities,” he said.
According to him, the situation in higher education institutions has already improved significantly, while he noted that “there are no occupations anywhere in Greece.”
He also made special mention of the National Technical University of Athens, saying that “there are cameras and it is a modern place where lecturers and students can do their work safely.”
The Athens traffic plan
Michalis Chrysochoidis also referred extensively to the major problem of traffic in Athens, presenting the new plan called “Knot”.
The plan includes about 150 police officers, the use of drones and live traffic management via information systems.
“The aim is to speed up traffic and decongest key axes,” he said, admitting however that “Kifissos is an extremely difficult problem.”
At the same time, he particularly focused on the issue of illegal parking in the centre of Athens.
“The phenomenon of someone parking on Solonos and inconveniencing thousands of people is unacceptable,” he said, noting that traffic police checks are now daily, while he called for more active participation by municipal police.
Chrysochoidis: “Crime is not tolerable”
The minister finally referred to the recent incidents in Roma settlements, as well as the injury of police officers, calling it a “big and complex problem”.
“We are not targeting anyone, but crime is a separate issue,” he said, revealing that in several areas there are now permanent police forces and daily operations for weapons, drugs and power theft.
He appeared determined that operations would continue, stressing: “I have set my sights on these areas operating like any neighbourhood in the country. We will not allow them to remain pockets of crime.”
He concluded by announcing an even tougher stance on repeat offenders, noting that under the new legislation, “anyone who re-offends on a felony will be jailed.”
