Corfu, 30 October – Traffic police in the Ionian Islands have reported a significant number of driving violations following a week-long enforcement operation. Between 19 and 25 October, officers conducted spot checks across four islands, resulting in 973 confirmed offences and corresponding fines.
571 Violations Detected in Corfu
According to the Ionian Islands Regional Police Department, traffic officers carried out comprehensive vehicle inspections in Corfu, Zakynthos, Cephalonia and Lefkada during the seven-day period. A total of 3,022 vehicles were checked, with Corfu accounting for the highest number of violations at 571 offences.
The remaining violations were distributed across the other islands: 179 in Zakynthos, 116 in Cephalonia, and 107 in Lefkada. All offenders received appropriate fines in accordance with Greek traffic regulations.
Speeding and Helmet Violations Top the List
The police department released a detailed breakdown of the types of violations recorded during the operation. Speeding emerged as the most common offence, with 162 drivers caught exceeding speed limits across the four islands.
The second most frequent violation involved motorcyclists and scooter riders not wearing helmets, with 148 cases confirmed. This represents a significant safety concern, particularly given the popularity of two-wheeled vehicles in the Greek islands during the tourist season and among local residents.
Serious Violations Include Unlicensed and Uninsured Drivers
Among the more serious offences, police identified 26 drivers operating vehicles without a valid licence and 21 drivers without insurance coverage. Both violations carry substantial penalties under Greek law and pose significant risks to road safety.
Additionally, 26 vehicles were found to have MOT (Ministry of Transport technical inspection) violations, indicating they were operating without proper safety certifications or had expired inspection certificates.
Nine drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a violation that can result in criminal charges, licence suspension, and substantial fines. Police also recorded 15 cases of drivers and passengers not using seat belts, despite mandatory seat belt laws throughout Greece.
Other Traffic Violations Recorded
The enforcement operation also identified several other dangerous driving behaviours. Eight drivers were caught driving on the wrong side of the road, while six cases of illegal overtaking were recorded. Police also documented six instances of drivers using mobile phones while driving, a practice that significantly increases accident risk.
Four drivers were charged with dangerous driving, and one vehicle was cited for noise levels exceeding permitted limits. The remaining 541 offences fell into various other categories not specified in the police report.
Ongoing Traffic Enforcement Campaign
This week-long operation is part of a continuing traffic enforcement campaign by the Ionian Islands Regional Police Department. Similar operations have been conducted throughout the year, with previous reports showing comparable violation rates across the island group.
The police department has emphasised that these spot checks will continue on a regular basis to improve road safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. Officers focus particularly on high-risk violations such as speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to use protective equipment like helmets and seat belts.
Road Safety Remains Priority for Authorities
Traffic authorities in the Ionian Islands have consistently highlighted road safety as a priority, particularly during peak tourist seasons when traffic volumes increase significantly. The islands attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, many of whom rent vehicles or motorcycles to explore the region.
Local police have noted that enforcement operations serve both as a deterrent and as an educational tool, reminding both residents and visitors of the importance of following traffic regulations. The high number of helmet violations, in particular, reflects ongoing challenges in enforcing safety equipment requirements among motorcycle and scooter riders.
Comparative Data Shows Consistent Enforcement
According to previous reports from the Ionian Islands Regional Police Department, similar enforcement operations have yielded comparable results throughout the year. The consistency in violation numbers suggests that traffic enforcement remains a regular and sustained activity across the island group.
The distribution of violations across the four islands roughly corresponds to their relative populations and traffic volumes, with Corfu, as the largest and most populous island, accounting for the majority of recorded offences.
All fines issued during the operation were processed in accordance with Greek traffic law, with payment deadlines and appeal procedures communicated to offenders at the time of citation. Repeat offenders and those guilty of serious violations may face additional penalties, including licence suspension or criminal prosecution.
The Ionian Islands Regional Police Department has stated that traffic enforcement operations will continue in the coming weeks, with a particular focus on high-risk behaviours and peak traffic periods.
Source: https://www.enimerosi.com/en/news/101210/571-driving-offences-in-corfu-last-week
