New direction system for numerate drivers
Thessaloniki drivers will soon be in a position to navigate the northern port city’s congested streets by counting traffic lights, under a pilot program announced yesterday that is expected to come into effect in the autumn. Deputy Transport Minister Spyros Vougias said yesterday that the system would «save time, fuel and man hours while reducing the number of traffic accidents.» For example, he said, instead of a driver being directed to a shop on Tsimiski Street, he could be told to go to Tsimiski traffic light 25. «The measure will provide the city with significant relief from the point of view of the environment and traffic flow,» he added. Vougias, a Thessaloniki traffic expert, is one of PASOK’s likeliest candidates to run for mayor of Greece’s second-largest city in the October municipal elections. Thessaloniki University transport experts are working on the system, which, if successful, will be extended to other cities.
