Without any delay and according to what was planned by the previous government, from Monday 3 September the "Green Ring" is implemented (KYA 16229, GAZETTE 1467 of 3.5.2012) in the center of Athens.

The new ring modifies the current meter system, with the main intervention being the traffic ban on old trucks and buses in Athens, with the aim of improving the quality of the atmosphere. For the implementation of the KYA, the HYPEKA was preceded by a consultation with the co-competent Ministries, Development, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transportation & Networks and Public Order & Citizen Protection, which expressed their agreement.

In detail, the main measures implemented are the following:

– The rotating entry of vehicles into the small ring applies as usual without any change (with the odd-even system).

– In addition, the traffic on the small ring is allowed without restriction of cars and trucks below 2,2 tons, as long as it is of Euro technology 5 or later – whether simple or hybrid- and since they emit less carbon dioxide than 140 gr / km. Especially for hybrids and gas vehicles from construction, the circulation of those with Euro technology is also allowed 4, as long as they emit less carbon dioxide than 140 gr / km.

– Traffic on the big ring is prohibited for buses and trucks over 2,2 tons, first marketing authorization in Greece before 1 January 1990. For a transitional period of one year (from 1.1.2012.-1.1.2013) the above-mentioned prohibition applies to the above vehicles first registered in Greece before 1/1/1984.
This ban does not include the New Athens-Lamia National Highway, Kifisou Avenue and Athens Avenue, from Kifisou Avenue and further west.

– The date of January 1st 1990 is automatically increased by one year, each new calendar year, so that vehicles that are older than are prohibited each time 22 years.

Vehicles that are allowed to circulate freely in the "Green Ring" will be controlled by the traffic authorities exclusively on the basis of the registration license that states the emission limits, the violation of which will incur the penalties of violation.

The specific decision of the HYPEKA is taken in a spirit of respect and trust in the responsibility of the citizens, whom he calls to implement and guard the "Green Ring". The HYPEKA is in close cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transportation & Networks in order to issue the "green badge" electronically. The issuance of this auxiliary mark will be done in such a way that time-consuming procedures are avoided and the citizens of the whole country can obtain it immediately and easily. The procedures of the free issue of the special badge will be completed in a month and there will be a relevant announcement.

In any case, the certification of the "green ring" violation will be based on the "green vehicle" registration license, which remains the legal control criterion of the Traffic authorities.
Anyway, it is noted that from 3 September when the "green ring" will be applied, the penalties for violating it will be the same as the penalties for violating the existing ring.