Truck traffic is an essential element of the modern economy, enabling the transport of goods and services around the world. However, this traffic is not unregulated. There are truck bans, special regulations that restrict truck traffic to certain days, times or routes. Let us look further into this issue.
What are the Bans
Understanding the Bans
Truck bans apply for a number of reasons. They may be designed to reduce traffic congestion, protect driver safety, reduce air pollution or noise, or protect local communities.
For example, in some countries, trucks may be banned during peak hours, on busy days (such as weekends or holidays), or in sensitive areas such as city centres or schools.
Driving Bans in Greece
During the summer season from 1 July 2023 to 31 August 2023 every Friday from 15:00 to 22:00, and every Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 22:00, the circulation of trucks over 3.5 tonnes is prohibited:
- on the Ioannina - Arta - Antirio highway on both traffic streams, namely from the 14th km of the Ioannina - Arta - Antirio highway (height of the Ionian Road junction - Egg of Ioannina) to the 39.4 km (Kouklesi - Ioannina)
- on the National Road Thessaloniki - Kavala from the 11th km (T.O.D. 11+340) until the crossing Leo Amphipolis (T.O.D. 97+550) for both traffic flows.
During the summer season every Sunday from 18:00 to 23:00, as well as on Tuesday 15 August 2023 from 18:00 to 24:00, the traffic of trucks over 3.5 tons is prohibited:
- On the A1 Motorway (Athens-Thessaloniki-Euzoni), on the direction towards Thessaloniki and specifically from the Makrychori toll road (T.D. 374+291) to the Kliidi junction (T.D. 471+470).
Driving Bans in Europe
Road tolls for lorries are in force in several countries in Europe. These can vary depending on the country, the day, the time of day and the type of road network. For example, the driving ban in Germany applies to trucks with a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes. It usually applies on Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. and also on Sundays and all public holidays throughout the year between 12 a.m. and 10 p.m.
More detailed information can be found on the official websites of the countries concerned or from the following sources:
Implications for Drivers and Transport Companies
The exact regulations may vary depending on the country or region, and it is important for drivers and transport companies to be aware of local regulations. Failure to comply with the prohibitions may result in fines or other penalties.
International transport drivers passing through Greece, however, face additional challenges. Drivers observe timetables, which are regulated by electronic tachographs. They must rest at regular intervals, but when the timetables conflict with the prohibitions, drivers cannot return home and are forced to stay on the road. The problem is compounded by the lack of proper parking for trucks, as Yannis Fragos, an international transport driver, explains in the video.
Conclusions
Truck bans are an important element of traffic management and the protection of safety and quality of life. It is important for drivers and transport companies to understand and comply with these regulations in order to ensure the efficient and safe transport of goods.
However, drivers face a significant issue when these coincide with permitted continuous driving hours, as they are forced to spend hours at lay-bys.
