Heraklion: Traffic Police Measures for Mid-August Exodus

Heraklion traffic police are fully underway with their planning for the major mid-August exodus. The entire staff of the Heraklion Traffic Police Department and the traffic police of the North Road Axis of Crete have been deployed in the field. The measures cover the urban centre, the provincial road network and the national road. The aim is both to regulate traffic and to prevent accidents. Deployment of forces is adjusted to peak hours.

The commander of Heraklion traffic police, Stelios Karakoudis, said traffic is expected to peak on the eve of the holiday, mainly in the afternoon, as day-trippers head inland. Similar measures have been arranged for the return, on Sunday afternoon. These two time windows have historically recorded the highest number of accidents. The service has allocated its staff to cover both waves. Checks are carried out around the clock.

The focus of the checks is on four categories of violations: driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed, improper overtaking and running red lights. Helmet use by motorcyclists and seatbelt use in all seats of the vehicle are also checked. The first four categories are linked to the vast majority of fatal accidents. Helmet and seatbelt use determines the severity of injuries when an accident does occur. The checks also serve a preventive purpose through visible presence.

The statistics cited by the service show significant improvement. From 2015 to 2020, the annual number of victims in the Heraklion prefecture was in double digits, around 15 to 16 people. Last year the number fell to six. This year, so far, three victims have been recorded. The reduction is attributed to a combination of checks, road network improvements and changing behaviour.

As part of the preventive effort, traffic police officers handed out road-safety leaflets in the city centre. Along with these, they distributed single-use breathalysers so drivers could check for themselves whether they were within the permitted limits. This practice has been applied in recent years in several areas of the country. The service commander stressed that ״prevention is far more important than enforcement.״ He also wished everyone ״a good mid-August holiday,״ noting that the aim is for the service to act as an ally to citizens.

Traffic on the North Road Axis of Crete is already particularly heavy due to the tourist season. That pressure was reflected on Thursday by two consecutive pile-ups involving seven vehicles on the stretch between Platanias and Tavronitis. On the provincial road network, accidents with serious injuries keep recurring. Traffic police recommend patience and keeping safe distances. Long queues at congestion points increase the risk of rear-end collisions.

Creta Today will cover traffic conditions during the return as well. Drivers are urged to follow traffic police announcements for any traffic regulations. More from Heraklion on the Heraklion page. The strong winds of these days mainly affect two-wheelers and high-sided vehicles. Extra caution on the open sections of the highway is considered essential.