Police step up road checks ahead of August 15 long weekend

Cyprus police are stepping up checks across the road network ahead of the August 15 long weekend, with heavier traffic expected on motorways and routes leading to mountain and coastal areas. Police Headquarters Communications Branch officer Michalis Michael said the force has drawn up the necessary operational plans and will maintain a presence on the roads throughout the period, both to carry out traffic checks and to help manage traffic where needed. “As regards the August 15 period, when increased vehicle traffic is expected both on motorways and across the wider road network, police have drawn up the necessary operational plans,” he said. Michael said traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on motorways and on roads leading to mountain and coastal areas, where more people are expected to travel during the three-day break. Traffic checks carried out daily Michael stressed that police checks aimed at preventing serious and fatal road collisions are carried out every day and are not limited to the August 15 period. Police are also taking part this week in a Europe-wide Roadpol campaign focusing on speeding. Michael said the campaign began on 3 August and will run until Sunday, 9 August. He added, however, that intensified police checks cover all serious traffic offences, not only speeding. According to Michael, officers are focusing on behaviour regarded as a major cause of serious and fatal collisions, including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to wear a seat belt or protective helmet, and using a mobile phone while driving. Police have also stepped up checks and public information efforts in recent days concerning personal mobility devices, including electric scooters. Asked whether any parts of the road network were considered particularly high risk during the period, Michael said extra attention was needed on motorways and on roads towards mountain and coastal areas because of the expected increase in traffic. “There will be more vehicle traffic,” he said, stressing the need for greater care from all drivers. Michael urged the public to take particular care when travelling. “We must all be extremely careful on the roads, drive responsibly, respect other road users and remember that every choice we make on the road can affect human lives,” he said.