Capital’s traffic congestion crisis deepens – eKathimerini.com

Analysis of Traffic Congestion in Attica and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

A report on the state of traffic in the Attica region reveals a worsening congestion crisis that directly undermines progress toward several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). In 2024, the average driver lost 111 hours in traffic, an increase from 104 hours in the previous year, signaling a critical failure in developing sustainable urban mobility.

Current Situation and Key Challenges

Congestion Metrics and Economic Impact

The persistent gridlock on major transportation corridors presents a significant challenge to the region’s sustainability and economic vitality. The hours lost to congestion represent a substantial loss of economic productivity, conflicting with the principles of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Time Lost: 111 hours per driver in 2024.
• Affected Corridors: Central Athens, Kifissou Avenue, Attiki Odos, Kifissias Avenue, and the coastal highway.

Causal Factors Contradicting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

The root causes of Attica’s traffic congestion point to systemic issues in urban planning and infrastructure that are misaligned with the targets of SDG 11.

1. Unsustainable Urban Planning: Regional urban sprawl, necessitating longer commutes, and development along saturated routes without corresponding public transport infrastructure directly violate Target 11.2, which calls for accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
2. Aging and Polluting Vehicle Fleet: The average passenger car in Greece is 17.8 years old (16.2 in Attica), far exceeding the EU average of 12.3 years. This aging fleet exacerbates air pollution, undermining Target 11.6 (reducing the environmental impact of cities) and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, which conflicts with SDG 13 (Climate Action). The high rate of vehicle breakdowns, with 36 occurring daily on Attiki Odos, also compromises transport system reliability.
3. Outdated Infrastructure: Inefficient, decades-old junctions and traffic signal calibrations reduce roadway capacity and fail to create the resilient and efficient infrastructure required by SDG 11.

Future Projections and Associated Risks

Projected Traffic Growth

Forecasts indicate a severe escalation of the problem, which will further impede the achievement of sustainability targets.

• Traffic on key routes is expected to grow by approximately 16% by 2030.
• Volumes on the Attiki Odos may increase by as much as 55% by 2050.

Implications for Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

The chronic traffic congestion has direct negative consequences for public health. The uncertainty of travel times is a significant source of psychological stress for commuters. Furthermore, the increased pollution from idling and aging vehicles poses a direct threat to public health, contradicting Target 3.9, which aims to reduce illnesses from air pollution.

Proposed Solutions for a Sustainable Urban Transport System

Short-Term Mitigation Measures

While short-term measures like improved traffic signal coordination and enforcement can offer temporary relief, they are insufficient to address the structural challenges and align the region with long-term sustainability objectives.

Long-Term Strategic Interventions Aligned with SDGs

Experts advocate for a paradigm shift centered on a drastic reduction of private car use, supported by a robust framework of sustainable alternatives. This approach is essential for meeting the goals of SDG 11 and SDG 13.

• Strengthening Public Transportation: Achieving Target 11.2 requires significant investment to improve the frequency and coverage of public transport, which was weakened during the financial crisis. Increasing metro service intervals to three minutes could accommodate up to 20,000 passengers per hour, providing a viable alternative to private vehicles.
• Promoting Active Mobility: Expanding networks for walking and cycling is critical for creating a sustainable urban environment that supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and reduces the city’s carbon footprint.
• Implementing Vehicle Restrictions and Demand Management: A series of regulatory measures are proposed to manage traffic demand and accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.
  • Green Ring: A proposed zone banning older, more polluting vehicles would directly address air quality (Target 11.6) and climate goals (SDG 13).
  • Limited-Traffic Zones and Urban Tolls: Implementing these measures in the historic center and other key areas would manage vehicle demand and encourage a modal shift, with provisions to protect vulnerable groups and ensure equitable access.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article highlights the issue of an aging vehicle fleet in Attica, with an average car age of 16.2 years. Older vehicles typically have higher emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are detrimental to air quality and public health. The proposal for a “green ring” to ban these older vehicles directly addresses the health impacts of air pollution caused by traffic.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article points to infrastructural deficits as a cause of traffic congestion. It mentions “outdated junctions and traffic signals, some calibrated decades ago,” which reduce roadway capacity. Furthermore, the high number of daily vehicle breakdowns (36 on Attiki Odos) suggests a lack of resilient infrastructure and an aging vehicle fleet that strains the transport system. This connects to the need for developing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This is the most central SDG in the article. The entire text focuses on urban transportation challenges in Attica, including traffic gridlock, urban sprawl, long commutes, and inadequate public transport. The proposed solutions, such as reducing car dependency, strengthening public transport, and expanding walking and cycling networks, are core components of creating sustainable cities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution

  This target is relevant due to the discussion of Greece’s aging vehicle fleet (average age 17.8 years). Older cars emit more harmful pollutants. The proposed “green ring” to ban these vehicles is a direct measure to improve air quality and, consequently, reduce illnesses associated with air pollution in the urban environment of Attica.

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

  The article’s mention of “outdated junctions and traffic signals” and the high frequency of vehicle breakdowns points directly to a failure to meet this target. The need for improved signal coordination and modernizing transport infrastructure is a key takeaway, aligning with the goal of developing reliable and efficient systems.

• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all

  The article explicitly states that current development lacks “adequate public transport” and that the system, weakened during the financial crisis, “still lacks sufficient frequency and coverage.” The call to pair a “drastic reduction of cars” with “stronger public transport and expanded walking and cycling networks” directly addresses the aim of this target.

• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality

  The severe traffic congestion, where drivers lost an average of 111 hours in 2024, and the old age of the vehicle fleet contribute significantly to the adverse environmental impact of Athens. The proposed solutions, including a “green ring,” limited-traffic zones, and urban tolls, are all measures aimed at reducing urban pollution and improving air quality, which is a key component of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Hours lost in congestion

  The article states that Attica drivers “lost an average of 111 hours stuck in congestion” in 2024. This is a direct quantitative indicator of the inefficiency of the transport system and can be used to measure progress in reducing gridlock (relevant to SDG 11).

• Average age of vehicle fleet

  The statistic that the “average passenger car in Greece is 17.8 years old, and 16.2 years in Attica” serves as a key indicator for air quality and environmental impact (relevant to SDG 3 and SDG 11). A reduction in this average age would indicate progress.

• Frequency of vehicle breakdowns

  The mention of “36 breakdowns a day on Attiki Odos” is a specific indicator of the reliability and resilience of both the vehicle fleet and the infrastructure (relevant to SDG 9).

• Public transport frequency and capacity

  The article implies an indicator by stating that “three-minute metro intervals could carry up to 20,000 passengers per hour.” This suggests that current public transport frequency and passenger capacity are insufficient and can be measured to track improvements towards Target 11.2.

• Projected traffic growth

  The expert expectation that “traffic on key routes to grow about 16% by 2030” serves as a baseline projection. Measuring actual traffic volume against this projection can indicate the effectiveness of implemented policies (relevant to SDG 11).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ekathimerini.com