KKE launches toll station campaign along Egnatia Odos over rising costs and road safety
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) has organised a campaign at toll stations along the Egnatia Odos motorway, stretching from Epirus to Thrace, to protest rising toll charges, traffic delays and road safety concerns.
On 25 October, KKE members and supporters distributed party announcements and spoke with drivers and passengers at toll stations across Epirus, Western Macedonia, Central Macedonia and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The campaign called for affordable and safer transport, criticising the motorway’s privatisation and the financial burden placed on road users.
CAMPAIGN IN EASTERN MACEDONIA AND THRACE
In Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the campaign took place at the Kavala, Yassıköy (Iasmos), Ardani and Mesti toll stations. According to the party, many drivers stopped to receive its announcement, while some expressed support through honking and applause.
The KKE highlighted restrictions affecting tunnels longer than 500 metres and adjoining motorway sections, where traffic is reportedly operating in a single lane without an emergency lane. The party argued that these arrangements cause significant delays and create risks in the event of vehicle breakdowns, accidents or other emergencies. Its announcement also cited delays involving ambulance and emergency rescue services.
CRITICISM OF PRIVATISATION AND TOLL CHARGES
The party blamed successive Greek governments and the motorway concessionaire, the GEK TERNA–Egis Projects consortium, for the situation. It argued that the privatisation process prioritised business interests while leaving road users facing high costs and travel difficulties.
According to the KKE’s statement, the Egnatia Odos concession covers 35 years. The party also criticised changes to the financial terms of the agreement and called for greater transparency and accountability over tunnel safety certification and maintenance.
The announcement further warned of rising toll costs, citing a projected increase from €0.03 per kilometre in 2023 to €0.08 per kilometre in 2028. These figures reflect the party’s claims and projections.
CALL FOR LOWER COSTS AND SAFER ROADS
The KKE called on the government and concessionaire to establish a clear timetable for reopening the tunnels safely, without imposing additional costs on the public. Its demands include suspending toll charges while the current restrictions remain in place, opening toll barriers during traffic congestion, ruling out further toll increases and restoring damaged road surfaces.
The party also called for the abolition of tolls and fuel and electricity consumption taxes, lower energy prices and wage increases. It urged workers, trade unions and community organisations to strengthen their collective action for safer, more affordable transport.
