'A Lifeline, Not an Accessory': Greek Police Ticket 2,000 for No Helmet in One Week

Greek constabulary ticketed much than 2,000 motorcyclists and their passengers for not wearing a helmet successful a azygous week, arsenic portion of a nationwide "Zero Tolerance" run to amended roadworthy safety.

During the past week of September, postulation constabulary conducted astir 20,000 checks and recorded 2,001 violations.

The highest fig of offenses were successful the greater Athens area, followed by the Ionian Islands and Crete.

Under a strict caller road code, the punishment for not wearing a helmet is simply a €350 good and an contiguous 30-day suspension of the driver's license.

The penalties summation dramatically for repetition offenders, rising to a €1,000 good and a six-month suspension for a 2nd offense.

While the enforcement is tough, constabulary accidental the run is not conscionable astir punishment.

"The helmet is not a load oregon an accessory, but a lifeline," the Hellenic Police said successful a statement. In immoderate areas, officers person partnered with section groups to administer escaped helmets to riders.