Newsroom
Anyone who thought Cyprus’ roads might be quieter after dark clearly forgot one small detail: Cyprus drivers.
Police reported 126 motorists for speeding during an overnight operation targeting key areas in towns and cities across the island. In total, officers stopped and checked 442 drivers and 225 passengers, meaning more than one in four drivers inspected was allegedly travelling faster than the law allows.
The checks were part of organised patrols aimed at preventing serious crime, maintaining public order and helping people feel safer. But while officers were looking for criminal activity, the roads provided plenty of work of their own.
Police issued 258 complaints for various traffic offences and seized six vehicles. Another five traffic cases already under investigation also emerged during the operation.
Officers carried out 141 breathalyser tests, with three drivers reported for allegedly exceeding the legal alcohol limit. One motorist was also reported for suspected drug-driving after a preliminary test returned a positive result.
The operation extended beyond the roads. Six people were arrested for offences including forgery, illegal possession of drugs, possession of suspected stolen property and remaining illegally in the Republic.
Police also inspected 41 establishments as part of efforts to tackle delinquency, resulting in another six complaints.
The figures offer a familiar but troubling snapshot of Cyprus after dark. Speeding may sometimes be treated as just another part of driving on the island, particularly when the road looks empty and the destination feels five minutes too far away, but excessive speed remains one of the biggest factors determining whether a collision ends in a scare or a tragedy.
Last night, at least, the shortcut came with a ticket.
