Athens traffic restrictions lifted for summer, free flow resumes July 24

The alternating‑day traffic restriction known as the "Ring" in central Athens will be suspended after 24 July 2026, ending the license‑plate based limit that has been in force since 20 October 2025. From that Friday onward, all vehicles will be allowed free access to the city centre, irrespective of plate numbers.

The measure, which applied to major arterial roads such as Leoforos Alexandra, Zaharoff, and Leoforos Mesogeion, will cease on weekdays; weekends, public holidays and MMT strikes were already exempt. Authorities expect the suspension to ease congestion during the summer holidays.

The change comes as part of the annual traffic‑management plan and follows concerns that the restriction contributed to reduced emissions and smoother traffic flow during peak periods.