Finding a parking space in central Athens has become a daily challenge, with drivers spending hours circling streets in search of somewhere to leave their cars, adding to the city’s traffic congestion.
A study by the Transportation Engineering Laboratory at the National Technical University of Athens found that drivers traveling in the city center lose approximately 37 hours a year searching for parking. The distance covered during that time is estimated at around 570 kilometers.
The research also highlights how long it can take motorists to find a space on the street. For 67% of drivers, the search lasts more than five minutes, while 25% spend more than 10 minutes looking for a spot.
The situation is particularly difficult for drivers heading to Athens’ central district. According to the study, 43% of them need more than 10 minutes to find a place to park.
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The inconvenience can continue even after a space has been found. Among drivers who park in the central district, 62% must walk for more than five minutes to reach their homes.