The Police Traffic Department is stepping up measures ahead of the August 15 holiday to facilitate the expected exodus of holidaymakers, Traffic Police Road Safety Officer, George Milis, told reporters on Friday.
Police will increase patrols and traffic enforcement across the road network, particularly on routes to coastal areas and mountain resorts, while regulating traffic where necessary.
The measures will include increased police presence and patrols, as well as traffic management at key points, Milis said.
Police will also target serious traffic violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, failure to wear seat belts, riding motorcycles without protective helmets, dangerous overtaking and mobile phone use while driving. Such violations have repeatedly caused serious and fatal road crashes in recent years, he said.
Milis said heavy traffic was expected on Friday between 16:00 and 20:00, as holidaymakers leave Nicosia for coastal areas and mountain resorts. Similar traffic was expected on routes from Limassol to coastal and mountain destinations.
The return journey is expected to peak on Sunday between 15:00 and 21:00, with Traffic Police officers ready to regulate traffic where necessary to ensure smoother travel and, above all, prevent road crashes, Milis said.