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Greece is ranked second with the highest number of deaths caused by traffic accidents per million inhabitants among the 27 member states of the European Union. In 2009 1,456 Greeks lost their lives on the roads. The data are not so discouraging, given that their number has been declining gradually since 2000, when 2,037 people were killed. However, it is still far from the objectives of the European Union and the 2^nd Strategic Plan with about 220 deaths per year.

"Road safety is a priority for the Greek government," said the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Dimitris Repas at the 5^th Meeting of the National Council for Road Safety. "We should not talk about accidents but about crimes," said Dimitris Repas and stressed that the strategic plan for reducing death crashes should have two basic levels. "The first is related to the perception, behaviour and culture of moving and the second - with specific and clear actions." Dimitris Repas called famous people from the political, scientific and cultural life of the country to refer to road safety in their public appearances in order to create this perception in public opinion.

According to Deputy Minister Spyros Vougias, the first positive results were reported in 2010 after the number of people killed in road accidents had fallen by 183 people. "The statistical data for the first two months of 2011, when there were 50 deaths less, are equally positive but this should not make us relax. Our main goal remains to establish a culture of road safety and this culture to be at the heart of attitudes, policies and actions of the related governmental authorities, the state and the citizens on the road."

To this end, the Ministry undertook to review the permitted speed on the main Greek roads. According to sources, the top speed limit of 130 km/h, which is valid on major highways today, will not be increased. The changes will affect the speed on specific road sections outside towns and villages.

At the same time, changes in the traffic ordinance are being planned, something which will take effect in the coming autumn. The final changes will be approved by the end of June, as announced at the meeting.

Stringent fines and penalties for serious violations applied today will be kept in the new ordinance but those connected with less severe violations will be revised. It is also expected the driving ban term will be reduced, especially when it comes to professional vehicles. Some of the fines currently applicable are so stiff that even traffic police officers often ‘turn a blind eye’.

The aim of the Ministry is to establish a fairer system that will not "cut corners" in cases of serious violations and will focus on precautions. It would be more liberal to professional categories, as under the current rules their driving ban is much longer and this leads to serious financial difficulties for them. The fines for violations such as throwing objects from a moving vehicle and failure to comply with the hours for shops supplying will decrease by 30% to 50% - from 400 to 280 euros, and for not using passive safety devices, such as seat belts and helmets, from 700 to 490 euros.

The fine of 700 euros, which is imposed in cases of violations that are directly related to causing major accidents, will not be changed. These violations include running a red light and not stopping at a stop sign, crossing train tracks when the level crossing is closed, dangerous manoeuvres and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Severe penalties are provided for drivers exceeding the urban traffic speed limits.

Rules for the safe movement of pedestrians, people with disabilities and people moving on two wheels - motorists and cyclists - will be also included in the draft. There are still discussions whether to increase the fines for illegal racing on the roads - from 700 to 1050 euros, for double parking on central thoroughfares - from 40 to 60 euros, for stopping on a ramp for people with disabilities - from 150 to 300 euros, for stopping on а walkway - from 80 to 160 euros, and for preventing the trams’ movement - from 50 to 300 euros.