An irrational system
At last an initiative has been undertaken to conduct a feasibility study toward a more rational system of speed limits on the country’s roads. Admittedly, the initiative – heralded by Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias – is progressing at the sluggish pace that usually characterizes the initiatives of the state. The matter was recently raised in Parliament by New Democracy MP Aris Stathakis, who is also president of the parliamentary committee for road safety and who has amassed much relevant experience during his terms as deputy mayor of Athens. In a recent question directed to Souflias and to Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis in Parliament, Stathakis highlighted the «foolishness» of excessively low speed limits (sometimes as low 20 and 30 kilometers per hour) and police blockades on certain sections of the national road network which make it difficult for many well-meaning Greek motorists to avoid transgressions and which often end up having the opposite effect of that intended. The government would do well to listen to Stathakis and to other officials who have experience in this particular area and to take comprehensive action to abolish irrational practices on Greek roads, such as the use of 60km/h speed limit signs on the Athens-Corinth national road.
