Newsroom
Police have launched an extensive safety operation for the Kataklysmos long weekend as thousands of people prepare to travel across Cyprus for holiday events and short breaks.
Extra officers, particularly from traffic units, have been deployed on motorways, intercity routes and major roads in an effort to keep traffic flowing smoothly, reduce the risk of collisions and assist members of the public travelling during the busy period.
Authorities will carry out increased traffic enforcement throughout the weekend, concentrating on offences that are frequently linked to serious and fatal crashes. Particular attention will be given to speeding, drink-driving and driving under the influence of drugs.
Drivers are being urged to follow road signs, obey traffic regulations and comply with instructions given by police officers. The warning comes as vehicle numbers on the road network are expected to rise significantly during the holiday period.
The enhanced policing effort follows a busy night of enforcement activity across the island. During organised operations, officers stopped 485 vehicles and checked 599 occupants. Police also carried out inspections at 53 premises, resulting in 11 reports concerning various offences.
Seven people were arrested in connection with offences including drug possession, illegal residence in the Republic and traffic-related violations.
Traffic officers issued 310 citations for a range of road offences and opened seven investigations relating to traffic violations. Seven vehicles were also impounded as part of police inquiries.
Speeding accounted for a large proportion of the offences recorded, with 67 drivers reported for exceeding the speed limit. Another 12 motorists were reported for driving under the influence of alcohol, while four suspected drug-driving cases were detected after preliminary roadside drug tests returned positive results.
Police conducted 153 alcohol tests and eight drug-driving checks during the overnight operation.
Authorities say enforcement and patrols will continue throughout the Kataklysmos weekend as efforts focus on protecting road users and ensuring safer travel conditions during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
