Filenews 4 September 2021 - by Michalis Hadjivasilis
Sweeping changes, legislative and other concerning motorcyclists are being promoted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works in order to save lives on the asphalt. The 13 dead this year have alarmed the ministry, which is rushing to take action immediately.
The way of obtaining a motorcycle driver's license is changed, special equipment for professional motorcyclists becomes mandatory and the permanent student licence is put on the brakes. "We are very concerned that motorcyclists are lost on the asphalt. It is a pity to lose people, young people, either because they do not wear a helmet, or because they move at excessive speed, or because other drivers do not pay attention to them", stresses to "F" the Minister of Transport, Giannis Karousos, adding that many changes are being made in order to save cyclists.
First of all, he said, the vest-airbag grant program for motorcyclists drivers is being promoted that will protect them in the event of a collision. This vest will save lives and the project has entered the 2022 budget. Therefore, the equipment subsidy will start from January '22.
At the same time, instructions have been given to both the driver examiners and the instructors, as they focus on obtaining a driving license, on issues of protection of motorcyclists and cyclists, the dangers that lurk and how they should drive in order not to endanger these vulnerable road users.
Also, the issue will be discussed at the next meeting of the Road Safety Council that will meet next month, while at the same time the actions included in the strategic plan 2021-2030 to reduce deaths by 50% are being promoted.
At the same time, as noted by the Minister of Transport, legislation is also being promoted that aims to "shield" two-wheelers. Specifically, those who use the motorcycle for professional purposes, such as deliveries, etc. the law will be amended to require the acquisition of a professional license. Also, for professional motorcycle drivers, it will be mandatory to wear a special uniform and helmet which, as mentioned above, will be subsidized.
Another measure that will be introduced by legislation is, according to Mr. Karousos
Today, one can obtain a student's license and ride a motorcycle up to 125cc. Each driver is entitled to renew his student driving license for as many years as he wants. This will be abolished and a time limit will be set for someone to obtain a student permit. Then, if he wants to drive a motorcycle, he must obtain a regular license. This limit has not yet been set, but it could be at three or five years or more.
Also, the legislation will be amended so that if someone holds a student driving license, in order to enter the road network (on a motorway) he will not drive alone but must be accompanied by an instructor, as is done now during the training.
In addition to the legislative regulations, according to Mr. Karousos, other measures are being promoted, such as the creation of an application in which motorcyclists can register dangerous points of the road network that they will perceive during their journeys, so that measures can be taken. Also, the Department of Public Works was asked to study the points where traffic accidents occur with the involvement of motorcyclists and especially fatal ones, so that where it is necessary to place dividing islets that will prevent a driver from passing into the other traffic stream with the possibility of another vehicle hitting him (details in the matter below).
Mr. Karousos also mentions that the Road Transport Department is currently operating a technical inspection unit for vehicles and motorcycles and the aim is to make these units three, so that more motor vehicles can be checked.
Smart signs are coming
A measure promoted by the Ministry of Transport to prevent road traffic collisions is the installation and operation of electronic signs informing drivers.
With these signs, which will be installed at various points of the motorways and may also be mobile, drivers will be informed:
- For the existence of a car accident.
- About the existence of fire and at what point.
- For the possibility of rains to be careful.
- Whether there is traffic backlog.
- To reduce the speed limit due to a road problem
- For the diversion of traffic in one lane or onto another road.
For the installation of these signs, the Ministry of Transport will announce tenders.
The transport ministry will resume a series of contacts with the motorcyclists' clubs to hear their suggestions for new measures or actions to be taken so as not to lose any more lives on the asphalt.
Already, the ministry had initiated such contacts since last May and now they will resume. Motorcyclists know more than anyone else, Mr Karousos said, about what measures should be promoted. The transport minister also referred to the photo-labelling system which will be put into operation from next month, believing that it will certainly save lives. When someone knows that on the motorways at any moment he can be reported by a camera that will be set up at any point, then he will think twice about running at excessive speed, notes Mr. Karousos.
Through "F", he appealed to motorcyclists to wear their helmet and move at permissible speeds. "We also call on their families, their children, to ask them to wear their helmet, their protective suit and not to race so that they can return home," the transport minister said.
