Authorities planning to boost city security in Athens

Officials from the Greek Police (ELAS) and the Ministry of Citizens' Protection are in talks with Athens municipal authorities regarding a plan to place bollards (permanent or retractable) around the perimeter of the Greek capital's historic center.

Officially, the plan is intended to curb illegal parking along pedestrian streets, but police officers involved in the discussions have revealed to Kathimerini that their main concern is to prevent a possible terrorist attack by vehicle, like those in Nice, London and more recently Barcelona.

According to information, the talks between police and municipal officials are taking place within the context of a memorandum of cooperation between the ministry and the City of Athens. The agreement was signed in late June and its details will be announced at a press conference at the end of this month.

The plan...