Road signs in Greece

Road signs in Greece, are regulated by the Ministry of Transport and the Hellenic Traffic Police, according to the Greek Highway Code.

Signs follow the general European conventions concerning the use of shape and colour, for every sign category. Signs indicating dangers are triangular with a red border, those giving orders are almost all circular (white on blue for mandatory instructions, black on white with a red border for prohibitions), and those providing information are rectangular. Most signs use pictograms to convey their particular meaning.

As is customary in European countries, all signs are partly or fully reflectorized or are provided with their own night-time illumination. Signs used for temporary regulations may have a yellow background colour.

Greek road signs depict people with realistic (as opposed to stylized) silhouettes. Also, all signs are identified by a Greece capital letter (for each category) and a number. Signs that indicate the same meaning but in a different direction have the same letter and number but are separated by a lowercase (eg, α, β, γ, δ, ... or α for left and δ for right)

History

Roman milestone (milliario) from Boeotia (2 century BC)

The history of road signaling in Greece dates back to Antiquity. The first road signaling included marble columns with the head of Hermes, protector of the wayfarers. Those signs were known known as "ἑρμαῖ" ("Hermai").[1] There were also milestones for measuring street length in stadions.[2] Similar columns were also used in Roman times, but had miles as a unit of measurement. Shortly after Greece's independence in 1836, an order was issued to place the first road signs in Greece. They were stone carved signs with distances between cities according to the metric system that was in force at the time.[3]

The first road signage on Greek roads with contemporary signs was made in 1924 by ELPA (Elliniki Leschi Periigiseon kai Aftokinitou, lit. translated: Hellenic Club of Tours and Car), [4] which took over the road network's signage until 1957, when it was taken over by the state. [5] The signs were subject to the provisions of the Geneva Protocol on Road Signs and Signals.

On July 25, 1962, and with Government Gazette A '110/62, it was announced in paragraph 1 of Article 14 that "by joint decisions, issued by the Ministers of Transport, Public Works and Interior, all matters relating to the road signs, roadmarkings, the type of signals, the characteristics of the road signage and the manner of its application shall be defined. ", while in paragraph 2 of the same article that "the provisions of the International Geneva Protocol on Road Signs and Signals of September 1949, with its supplements, are temporarily valid and up-to the apply of the referenced of the paragraph 1 of this Article. "

Finally, on July 6, 1974, 12 years after the initial announcements and with the Government Gazette B '676/74, the first serious signaling standards were established, which are still valid today.[6] It was the first time that sign diagrams were included in a Government Gazette. Since the publication of the relevant Government Gazette, the "provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 14 of Law 4332/62 "on the ratification of the Road Trafffic Code" have been abolished. However", within five years of its publication, six (6) of the old signs from the Geneva Protocol were still valid, as "temporarily preserved signs".

Design

Fonts

The font on the signs since 1974 is Transport, which also appears on the signs of other European countries. On motorways, the DIN 1451 font is used.

Language

The signs in Greece are in two languages: Greek (Greek Alphabet) and English (Latin Alphabet). Previously, the signs were in Katharevousa and used the Polytonic system, until 1976 and 1981, which were replaced by the Demotic and Monotonic systems respectively.

Retroreflection

Signs during the night are either:

  • Internally illuminated: that is, of suitable translucent materials, illuminated by internal illumination systems. The application of these signs is restricted mainly to urban areas and to specific high-risk interurban networks.
  • Externally illuminated: that is, they are illuminated by lamps facing them. These signs are applied at places where the light beam of cars is difficult to reach, such as the road sign gantries.
  • With reflective materials: that is, part or all of which is of a suitable reflective film. They may not be reflective (at roads that are lighted at night.), semi-reflective (Only symbols are reflective) or fully reflective (except symbols)

Finally, there are fluorescent reflective membranes, used in special circumstances, as a backdrop for school signs or signs indicating significant hazards.

Post-1974 signs

Categorization

They are divided into certain categories based on their meaning, shape and coloring.[7]

  • Danger Notice (K Series).
  • Traffic Regulatory (Ρ Series).
  • Informatory (Π Series).
  1. Οδοδείκτες (Road-pointers), these are signs with text that guide drivers to the directions they at intersections between roads or warn before they confirm the correctness of the route they follow and inform them of the distances from their destination.
  2. Other informatory signs, are signs that contain pictograms that inform drivers of the existence of a specific installation or service in the course of their journey.

The color of the letters is yellow, in Greek and white in Latin. Background color indicates the kind of direction. These colors are:

  1. Green for Motorways
  2. Blue for expressways, etc.
  3. Brown for tourist routes
  4. White (with black letters) inside populated areas or facilities in them.
  • Additional (Πρ series). These signs are rectangular with a black border on a white background with a black pictogram and are always combined with other road signs. They are designed to:
  1. Make the message displayed clearer
  2. Specify the displayed message

Additional signs are never used by themselves.

    Danger notice signs (K series)

    The K series includes the waring signs. These signs have mostly triangular shape (except for K-33 to K-37). Their borders are red and their background is yellow (With the exception of K-21, where it's white) and the pictograms are black. They are intended to alert drivers early on of risks, which they can find in their course (e.g. dangerous places, accesses of road junctions, accesses of railway level crossings, etc.) in order to take the appropriate measures in time (eg reduction of speed).[8][9] Their dimensions refer in order to the following sizes:[10]

    1. 0.60m
    2. 0.90m
    3. 1.20m

    The sizes are chosen depending on the use of the signs, while they are made with the following reflective materials:

    1. Type III membrane on Motorway and National Road network road sign gantries
    2. Membrane II or III on the right of motorways, Membrane II on the right of the National Road Network, and Membrane I or II on the right of the rest of the interurban network
    3. Membrane II or III to the left of motorway Membrane II or III to the left of National Highway and Membrane II or III to the left of the rest of the interurban network

    Due to the fact that K-1a, K-1d, K-2d, K-16, K-24 and K-31 to K-37 are critical signs and are particularly important for the improvement of road traffic and safety, they are manufactured with at least type II membranes.[10] In total, there are 50 such signs, numbered Κ-1α, Κ-1δ, Κ-2α, Κ-2δ, Κ-3 to Κ-5, Κ-6α, Κ-6δ, Κ-7 to Κ-27, Κ-28α, Κ-28δ, Κ-30 to Κ-37, Κ-38α, Κ-38δ and Κ-39 to Κ-44.

    Κ series
    Diagram Number Meaning Law of establisment Ref. Notes
    Κ-1α Dangerous left turn ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-1δ Dangerous right turn ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-2δ Dangerous two opposite or continuous turns, the first to the left ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-2δ Dangerous two opposite or continuous turns, the first to the right ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-3 Dangerous hill downwards (With slope as indicated on the sign) ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-4 Dangerous hill upwards (With slope as indicated on the sign) ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-5 Dangerous pavement narrowing on both sides ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-6α Dangerous pavement narrowing on the left side ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-6δ Dangerous pavement narrowing on the right side ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    Κ-7 Moving bridge ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-8 The road leads to a dock or river bank ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-9 Dangerous bumpy pavement in bad condition, with pits, etc. ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-10 Dangerous elevated pavement or steep curvy change of the lengthwise slope of the road ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-11 Dangerous vertical gutter or steep hollow change of the lengthwise slope of the road ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-12 Slippery pavement ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-13 Dangerous gravel ejection (loose chippings) ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-14 Danger of falling rocks and their presence in the pavement ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-15 Danger due to pedestrian crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-16 Danger due to often children traffic (schools, stadiums, etc.) ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-17 Danger due to often entrance of cyclists, or cyclist crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-18 Danger of domesticated animal crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-19 Danger of wild animal crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-20 Danger due to performed roadworks ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-21 Attention, intersection or position where traffic is regulated by three-colored traffic lights. ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-22 Danger due to low flights of taking-off or landing aircraft ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-23α Danger due to often strong wind (As the direction of the windsock shows) ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-24 Αdvance notice of a two-way traffic ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74 This sign means imminent entrance from a one-way road or part of a road that includes two decks separated by direction by a median strip, in a part of a road with traffic on the same pavement in both directions, temporarily or permanently.
    K-25 Attention, other dangers (not indicated on former signs) ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-26 Attention, junction where the priority from right is valid ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-27 4-way intersection, with a road, on which drivers have to give priority ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-28α 3-way intersection with a verctical road on the left, on which drivers have to give priority ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-28δ 3-way intersection with a verctical road on the right, on which drivers have to give priority ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-29α 3-way intersection with a obligue road on the left, on which drivers have to give priority ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-29δ 3-way intersection with a obligue road on the left, on which drivers have to give priority ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-30 Approach to a circular mandatory route ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-31 Danger due to railway level crossing with moving barriers or tram crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74 The "or tram crossing" phrase, was added in 2004, with ΦΕΚ Α’137/22-7-2004, due to the Athens Tram opening.
    K-32 Danger due to railway level crossing without moving barriers ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-33, K- 34, K-35 Additional repeative signs at acesses of railway level crossings or moving bridges, which indicate approach at them. ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74
    K-36 Danger due to immediate vicinity of a railway level crossing, without moving barriers, of single railway track or a tramway crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74 The "or tram crossing" phrase, was added in 2004, with ΦΕΚ Α’137/22-7-2004, due to the Athens Tram opening.
    K-37 Danger due to immediate vicinity of a railway level crossing, without moving barriers, of dual or multiple railway track or a tramway crossing ΦΕΚ Β' 676/74 The "or tram crossing" phrase, was added in 2004, with ΦΕΚ Α’137/22-7-2004, due to the Athens Tram opening.
    K-38α Dangerous soft verges on the left ΦΕΚ 182/Α/25-11-1992
    K-38δ Dangerous soft verges on the right ΦΕΚ 182/Α/25-11-1992
    K-39 Often traffic jam ΦΕΚ 182/Α/25-11-1992
    K-40 Tunnel ΦΕΚ 182/Α/25-11-1992
    Κ-41 Danger due to tram level crossing without moving barriers ΦΕΚ Α’137/22-7-2004
    K-42 Danger due to fog ΦΕΚ Α’22/29-1-2014
    Κ-43 Danger due to pararell pedestrian and cyclist crossings ΦΕΚ Α’59/30-3-2018 [11]
    Κ-44 Danger due to common pedestrian and cyclist crossings ΦΕΚ Α’59/30-3-2018 [11]

    Sources:[12][13][14][15][16]

    Regulatory signs[17]

    Prohibitory signs are round with white backgrounds and red borders.

    Informatory signs

    Rare, special or unofficial signs

    Athens Bus Service signs

    Bus Service road signs for prohibiting parking on bus route narrow turning points

    Bus route guidance road signs

    Bus stop signs

    Retired signs (no longer in use)

    Below, signs are withdrawn or replaced with new diagrams of the same meaning.

    Other marks[20]

    Useful indications[20]

    Warning signs[21][22]

    Area indications[22]

    Temporarily retained signs (1974-1978).[23]

    Katharevousa and Polytonic

    Regulatory[24]

    Informatory[25]

    Old motorway signs with blue background[26]

    References

    1. "Πρότυπα σήμανσης και εξοπλισμού οδών" (PDF). Ενημερωτικό δελτίου Τ.Ε.Ε. (Τεύχος 1980). 14 November 1997.
    2. "Πρότυπα σήμανσης και εξοπλισμού οδών" (PDF). Ενημερωτικό δελτίου Τ.Ε.Ε. (Τεύχος 1980). 14 November 1997.
    3. "Πριν τα αυτοκίνητα: Αυτός ήταν ο πρώτος ΚΟΚ της Ελλάδας". Μικροπράγματα (in Greek). 2018-08-31. Retrieved 2019-06-04.
    4. "Σήμανση οδών" (PDF).
    5. "ΕΛΠΑ - Ελληνική Λέσχη Αυτοκινήτου και Περιηγήσεων". 2014-07-07. Archived from the original on 2014-07-07. Retrieved 2019-09-17.
    6. "Σήμανση οδών" (PDF).
    7. "Σήματα ΚΟΚ". TestKOK.gr. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
    8. "ΚΟΚ On-line: Πινακίδες Αναγγελίας Κινδύνου | Glavopoulos Loss Adjusters Inc". Glavopoulos Loss Adjusters Inc. (in Greek). Retrieved 2018-10-03.
    9. Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας - Άρθρο 4. Glavopoulos Loss Adjusters Inc. (in Greek). 2016-12-15. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
    10. Πινακίδες αναγγελίας κινδύνου - Κατηγορίες Πινακίδων. ΖΑΦΕΙΡΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ Α.Ε. (in Greek). Retrieved 2020-08-14.
    11. DrD (2018-04-10). "Τροποποίηση του Κ.Ο.Κ. νέες πινακίδες κατακόρυφης σήμανσης". www.drivenews.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 2020-08-15.
    12. Πινακίδες Αναγγελίας Κινδύνου. Glavopoulos Loss Adjusters Inc. (in Greek). 2017-01-10. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
    13. "Πινακίδες Αναγγελίας Κινδύνου". www.astynomia.gr. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
    14. "ΠΙΝΑΚΙΔΕΣ ΑΝΑΓΓΕΛΙΑΣ ΚΙΝΔΥΝΟΥ – Σχολές Οδηγών Ίκαρος". www.sxolesodigonikaros.gr. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
    15. "All Greek road signs" (PDF).
    16. "Αναγγελίας Κινδύνου (Κ) - Γενικά - Giaseranis.gr | Σχολή Οδηγών". www.giaseranis.gr. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
    17. "ΚΟΚ On-line: Πινακίδες Ρυθμιστικές της Κυκλοφορίας | Glavopoulos Loss Adjusters Inc". Glavopoulos Loss Adjusters Inc. (in Greek). Retrieved 2018-11-21.
    18. Agenta "Έσπερος". 1965.
    19. Μάθε νά κυκλοφορῆς (PDF). ΑΘΗΝΑΙ: BP Greece, Υπουργείον Μεταφορών. 1962. p. 39.
    20. Μάθε νά κυκλοφορῆς (PDF). ΑΘΗΝΑΙ: BP Greece, Υπουργείον Μεταφορών. 1962. p. 89.
    21. Μάθε νά κυκλοφορῆς (PDF). ΑΘΗΝΑΙ: BP Hellas, Υπουργείον Συγκοινωνιών. 1963. p. 91.
    22. Μάθε νά κυκλοφορῆς (PDF). ΑΘΗΝΑΙ: BP Greece, Υπουργείον Μεταφορών. 1962. p. 93.
    23. ΦΕΚ 676. 1974. p. 5201.
    24. ΦΕΚ 676. 1974. p. 5193.
    25. ΦΕΚ 676. 1974. pp. 5195–5199.
    26. Ερώτηση 10, Φύλλο #8 από τα "Φύλλα ερωτήσεων διά τήν εξέτασιν υποψηφίων οδηγών αυτοκινήτων - μοτοσυκλετών και μοτοποδηλάτων". Υπουργείον Συγκοινωνιών, Γεν. Δ/νσις Μεταφορών, Εκτύπωσις: Οικονόμου. 1976.
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