Store hours are subject to change Municipality of Athens – outside the historical center – as big trucks they will be able to move from 9 pm to 9 am. Therefore, loading and unloading can only take place at night, with the exception of traffic. light trucks with gross weight up to 2 tons but also pure electric trucks up to 2.5 tons (the circulation of which does not cause an environmental burden). The corresponding proposal of the majority was supported yesterday at a regular meeting of the regional council, the majority of factions and the opposition voted “for”.

Recall that the change of hours was requested by the Municipality of Athens with its proposal to Region Attica (which is the competent authority to decide on the change) in accordance with the decision of the Municipal Council two weeks ago, at the end of November. Until now, the supply of stores of all kinds, from supermarkets to catering and trade establishments, was allowed to be carried out at any time of the day, except for the period from 7 am to 10 am. and 10 am

“For the proper functioning of the center of Athens, since the traffic load has increased, in particular due to the revival of tourism, but also due to the modernization of the city center and after the unanimous decision of the Municipal Council of Athens and Consultation with commercial organizations and the Athens traffic, we recommend to the Regional Council, so that the supply of enterprises in Athens is carried out from 21:00 to 21:00. until 9 am During the rest of the hours, it will be possible to refuel cars with a gross weight of up to two tons to serve small businesses, as well as urgent needs. In this way, we reduce the traffic load and contribute to the reduction of air pollution and the smooth movement of both residents and workers in the center of Athens,” said Mr. Giorgos Dimopoulos, Executive Deputy Governor of the Central Sector, in his presentation. to the regional council.

All stores will now be supplied from 21:00 to 09:00 with either vehicles with a gross weight of up to 2 tons, as well as pure electric vehicles up to 2.5 tons.

As he pointed out in his appeal, “in 2-4 months, the measure will be re-evaluated so that, if necessary, corrective-improving actions can be taken.” The original proposal added an exemption for trucks under 2.5 tonnes as long as they are pure electric vehicles.

After the schedule change was passed, Mr. Dimopoulos urged companies to change their routes to accommodate the new schedule, “which will be enforced by the traffic police.”

However, the opening hours of shops in the historic center will remain the same for the time being – to change, a new ministerial decree or presidential decree must be issued. In this zone, loading and unloading of goods is allowed from 7 am. until 10:30 and from 14:30 to 17:30