All ready for the huge influx over Easter

The Traffic Police are in readinesst, as are all authorities, for the challenge posed by tens of thousands of Easter visitors, which tests the island's endurance every year. This year, the Easter weekend coincides with the beginning of the tourist season, requiring even greater coordination. Based on years of experience, the Traffic Police have developed a plan, taking into account the special parameters of increased vehicle traffic from Corfu Central Port on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Preparations are based on close collaboration with all relevant authorities, Port Authority, Central Corfu Municipality and the Hellenic Coast Guard, to ensure the smooth running of events, safe and smooth traffic flow, as well as the huge parking needs.

The special measures for the Easter weekend were presented yesterday by Traffic Police Chief Giorgos Konstantis.

According to the plan, the emergency traffic regulations to be implemented from Good Friday until the early hours of Easter Sunday are as follows:

From 2 p.m. on Good Friday, traffic will be prohibited in the historic centre of the town, with main diversion points from the Douglas Column along Alexandras Avenue up to San Rocco Square, essentially prohibiting vehicle traffic within the historic centre.

Traffic regulations will be implemented on Dimokratias Avenue, on Garitsa shore road, to facilitate the large volume of vehicles heading to that area.

Finally, at 6 p.m., traffic will be prohibited from Eleftheriou Venizelou at the New Port roundabout.

The same regulations will apply on Easter Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Parking

Regarding vehicle parking, temporary spaces will be utilised, as the timely management of the large volume of vehicles is deemed crucial for the smooth flow of traffic.

A map has been prepared, which will be distributed digitally with the assistance of the media, as well as in printed form. The map facilitates the selection of desired parking spaces through digital navigation by scanning the QR code with a mobile phone.

The parking areas are:

For vehicles coming from the south:

• The area next to Corfu National Sports Centre and the Garitsa Cemetery, as well as the area next to the technical services accessible from Georgaki Street. From there free bus transportation will be provided to Douglas Column.
• The area designated for the construction of the Lyric Theatre, accessible from Kyprou and Eptanisou Streets. From there access to the historic centre will be on foot.

For vehicles coming from the north:

• A section of Corfu Central Port. Access to the parking area will initially be from the roundabout and then from the main entrance of the port. For vehicles parking in the ticketing area, free bus transportation to Spilia will be available. For vehicles and buses parking at the new pier, visitors can walk to the historic centre.
• In the area designated for the construction of the new training centre in Alykes, accessible from Ethnikis Antistaseos Street. Transportation will be available to Spilia from there.

The Traffic Police points out:

• Those living near the historic centre of Corfu Town should avoid using vehicles for transportation, except in cases of urgent necessity.
• Vehicle should proceed directly to designated parking areas and not seek other parking spaces, as availability will be limited.
• A request to everyone: please respect the signs and barriers that will be placed at various points in the town to facilitate traffic flow.
• At Douglas Column and in the yard of the 6th High School, a limited number of parking spaces will be available for vehicles of those with special needs in possession of the special blue card.
• Especially on Easter Saturday, the delivery of supplies to shops should be completed in the historic centre by 07:00.
• 9-seater van-type vehicles can drop off their passengers at M. Methodiou St. and then proceed to park at the port or in private parking areas.

Finally, beyond facilitating traffic flow, it is more important to ensure maximum safety. Please drive with caution and attention and adhere to the Highway Code in order to celebrate these days together with our loved ones.

CHRISTINA GEREKOU