Thessaloniki Fights Irresponsible Drivers: ‘Respect’ Cards to Punish Inappropriate Parking

Thessaloniki has become a battleground for drivers who park irresponsibly on ramps for the disabled, blind pathways, or narrow sidewalks. Thousands of people with reduced mobility (AmEA), mothers with strollers, and elderly individuals avoid city traffic due to these issues. Although some drivers may think they can get away without being fined by local authorities, they now face a new form of retribution through special ‘Respect’ cards. These plastic cards, inscribed with the word ‘Respect’ or ‘Σεβασμός’, are inspired by the ACT NOW Organization for Accessibility based in Thessaloniki. The cards are attached using tire locks to the mirrors, doors, or windshield wipers of illegally parked vehicles, causing inconvenience to offenders as they must take time to remove them. “The minimal hassle of removing the tire lock is nothing compared to the distress caused to others,” said Philippos Papacharalampidis, father of young Leandros, who lost his sight at the age of 2.5 years and became widely known through the global campaign ‘A Ball for All’. The municipality of Thessaloniki supports ACT NOW after a meeting between Papacharalampidis and Mayor Stelios Angeloudis. They decided to print 10,000 such cards, which will be distributed to aware citizens and municipal police officers. These cards will debut at the Disability Festival organized by the municipality from May 9-11, 2025, featuring awareness activities and showcasing the talents of people with disabilities. According to Sophia Skam bardoni, the mayor’s advisor on disability issues, there is significant demand for these cards nationwide, with interest from other municipalities.