Piraeus: Holiday exodus peaks

Piraeus was at the center of August holiday departures Friday August 7, as the second wave of departures to the islands began. Ships departed full from the country’s largest passenger port, with traffic clearly higher than previous days. This picture is characteristic of the first ten days of August, when most of summer holidays concentrate.

Increased passenger volume translated directly into the road network around the port. Significant traffic problems were recorded Friday morning both on entry and exit, while extensive delays were noted on Akti Kondyli, Akti Poseidonos, St. Dionysios, Konon and Mikra Asia streets. Greatest problems were found at junctions leading to the commercial and passenger ports, where passenger and vehicle traffic converges.

Congestion was not limited to Piraeus. Delays were also recorded on Athens Avenue, heading toward Scaramanga, with the greatest noted at the height of Haidari. Weather conditions did not worsen the situation: weather was generally clear, with occasional clouds at midday and afternoon, while temperature ranged from 21 to 35 degrees Celsius.

The second wave departure is a stable characteristic of Greek August. After the first major departure at the month’s start, a second peak follows as the August 15 long weekend approaches, resulting in the port operating at maximum capacity for several consecutive days. Traffic intensity depends on the combination of routes, demand to most popular destinations and concentration of departures at specific times.

For Piraeus residents, practical impact is daily and not only travel-related. Roads around the port simultaneously serve commuting, deliveries and access to services, so peak departures burden also those not traveling. Increased traffic also means greater pressure on road safety, an issue that remains current following the Traffic Police monthly report for July.

Some details have not been disclosed. Not announced is the number of passengers who departed from Piraeus Friday, the number of routes or any comparison with corresponding day last year. Also not recorded is restriction of departure due to weather. Available sources agree on the picture of increased traffic and present no deviations regarding points of traffic congestion.

Traffic is expected to remain elevated in coming days, as the holiday period is ongoing and follows toward August 15. Passengers are advised to arrive at the port early, due to delays on surrounding roads. Official announcements for possible additional routes or traffic regulations have not been released to public to date.