**Nicosia, Cyprus** – As the festive season approaches its zenith, Cyprus Police have significantly amplified their commitment to road safety, launching an intensive campaign of traffic enforcement operations across the island. This heightened vigilance, commencing on Monday, December 22nd, and slated to continue until January 6th, 2025, aims to mitigate the perennial surge in traffic incidents often associated with increased travel and revelry during the Christmas and New Year period. The operations are particularly focused on preventing serious collisions and curbing the prevalence of dangerous driving behaviours that disproportionately contribute to fatalities and severe injuries on the nation's thoroughfares.
The island's road network, already a focal point for law enforcement, is currently facing an additional layer of peril due to a spate of severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms have rendered numerous sections of the road network treacherous, creating hazardous driving environments. This meteorological challenge has prompted police to issue urgent advisories to motorists, imploring them to exercise extreme caution. Drivers are strongly encouraged to reduce their speed, maintain a vigilant demeanour, and crucially, to augment their following distances to prevent potential accidents. Specific routes, including the Kalopanagiotis-Gerakies-Kykkos-Kambos-Orkonta path and segments of the Limassol-Paphos highway, have been identified as particularly vulnerable to these adverse conditions, necessitating heightened awareness from all road users.
This comprehensive enforcement initiative encompasses a broad spectrum of road types, from major urban arteries and intercity routes to motorways and the wider secondary road network. The police presence has been visibly augmented, with an increased deployment of patrol vehicles and the establishment of strategically placed checkpoints. The primary focus of these meticulous checks is to identify and address the most common and dangerous traffic violations. These include, but are not limited to, excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, the non-adherence to seatbelt and helmet regulations, the perilous use of mobile telephones while operating a vehicle, and various forms of reckless, dangerous, and negligent driving.
A recent large-scale police operation conducted over a single weekend underscored the urgency and scope of these efforts. During this concentrated push, 572 drivers were subjected to checks, resulting in 258 reports being issued for a range of traffic infractions. A significant number of drivers, 49 in total, were apprehended for operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, with an additional two testing positive for illicit substances. The operation also saw the seizure of eight vehicles and led to the arrest of two individuals – one for a serious assault warrant and another for refusing to undergo an alcohol test. These statistics serve as a stark illustration of the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining order on the roads.
In a notable incident from "last night," a driver in Alayköy was apprehended for engaging in dangerous driving, specifically the act of "drifting." This manoeuvre, which involves intentionally losing traction and skidding, poses an extreme risk to the driver and other road users. The individual in question was subsequently issued a substantial fine of 10,240.40 TL and incurred 25 penalty points on their driving licence, a testament to the severe consequences for such reckless behaviour.
A spokesperson for the Cyprus Police articulated the department's unwavering commitment, stating, "The Police emphasize that these actions are part of a broader, continuously strengthened strategy to enhance road safety and combat criminal behaviour during the holiday period. The message to the public is clear: zero tolerance for dangerous and illegal driving, so that all citizens can travel safely during the festive season." This sentiment is echoed by the public's expectation for secure travel, particularly during a time when many are embarking on journeys to celebrate with loved ones. The intensified operations are therefore not merely a punitive measure but a proactive strategy designed to foster a culture of responsibility and significantly reduce the likelihood of preventable tragedies on the roads.