In 2025, Thessaloniki authorities reported that around 1,750 drivers were penalized for illegally parking in front of garbage bins, severely hindering the operations of waste collection vehicles in the area. These violations not only blocked the passage of garbage trucks but often forced them to leave without collecting waste, thereby affecting the cleanliness and sanitation of the city. Many of these drivers called upon the Cleanliness Inspectors and Neighborhood Supervisors to issue the corresponding fines upon being found in violation of parking regulations.

In Spring 2024, the Thessaloniki City Council approved a new Cleanliness Regulation designed by the Angeloudis administration, which introduced 56 different categories of fines and specific violations related to waste management. This new framework aims to address the ongoing issues of illegal parking and inefficiencies in the waste collection process. For the remainder of 2024, the city decided to implement a grace period to educate citizens about the new rules, allowing them to adjust to the changes before strict enforcement began.

The enforcement of the new regulation officially started in early 2025, and the recorded data from the Department of Cleanliness and Recycling reveals the significant challenge the city faces in managing public compliance with these regulations. As more drivers receive fines, it reflects not only the municipality's efforts to improve urban cleanliness but also the necessity of raising awareness among Thessaloniki's residents regarding the impact of illegal parking on public services and infrastructure.