Following the conference at the Maximou Mansion on the traffic of wheeled vehicles on the islands of Hydra and Spetses, in the “shadow” of the images of a “flood” of vehicles on the first island, the Municipality of Spetses sent to National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) the proposal of the new traffic regulation act, for checking, marking and improvements.

The proposal aims to make radical changes to vehicle traffic rules, to improve the quality of life, protect the natural landscape, and enhance the historical identity of Spetses.

The current situation has already been sent to the Ministry of Culture, following its request, so that a working group will travel to the island in June for on-site evaluation and final proposals.

According to the Municipality, any change that will be deemed necessary, even if it is strict, will be adopted without hesitation, to give Spetses the image it deserves.

Basic points of the regulatory act:

1. Restrictions on two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled vehicles (Category L):

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– Immediate prohibition of L4e (two-wheeled vehicles with a basket), L7e (heavy quadricycles) and L6e-B (mini-motorcycles).
– Restricted traffic for L2e, L5e and L6e-A, only outside a Restricted Traffic Zone (RZ) when it applies.
– From 2028, only L1e, L2e, L3e, L5e and L6e-A traffic is permitted within a settlement, subject to conditions.
– Vehicle hire is only permitted from shops on the island and only for L1e, L3e-A1 (<125cc) and L6e-A.
– Special licensing for the number of rental quads (L6e-A).
– Registration of existing L4e, L5e, L6 vehicles by residents within 6 months.

2. Restrictions on passenger vehicles (Category M):

– General prohibition of private motor vehicles within the settlement. An exception for a short passage to the ferry.
– Special Entrance-Exit Card for residents, employees, or tenants over 6 months, with predetermined hours.
– Mandatory parking in private spaces.

3. Regulation of truck traffic (Class N):

– Prohibition of trucks over 12 tons.
– Rotating entry/exit depending on the last digit of the license plate.
– Loading zone and specific traffic hours.
– Restrictions on construction traffic, particularly in summer and on holidays.

4. Restricted Traffic Zone (RTC):

– Curfew from Monday to 30/9 in central areas, with exceptions for taxis, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages.
– No vehicular traffic from 19:30 to 02:00, with exceptions for emergency vehicles.

5. Traffic and parking arrangements:

– Speed limit of 30 km/h throughout the settlement.
– One-way and pedestrian restrictions on squares, paved and main roads.
– Nine new parking spaces for two-wheelers on the periphery of the settlement.
– Some staging areas for trucks and tourist minibuses.

6. Special vehicles and exceptions:

– Traffic is allowed for Police, Fire Department, Port Authority, Municipality, Municipal vehicles, taxi, ambulances and doctors.

– Special traffic permits will be issued in exceptional cases by the competent Deputy Mayor.

On Monday, the proposal will be sent to the Ministry of Culture for final evaluation. The task force is expected to visit the island by the end of June to finalize the changes.

The Municipality of Spetses clarifies that there will be no discount in the implementation of the measures, stressing the need to respect the character and historicity of the island.