road

Vafeadis: The photo labeling measure is effective – From 800 to 200 complaints per day

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Vafeadis: The photo labeling measure is effective - From 800 to 200 complaints per day

The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeiadis, emphasized the importance and effectiveness of the photo-enforcement system in improving road safety and reducing fatal road accidents. The Council of Road Safety was informed that the number of complaints regarding the system has decreased from 800 per day to an average of 200 per day in the last quarter of 2022. There was a discussion about the operational issues with the photo-enforcement system and the need for better public information. Measures will be taken to improve the system's functionality and signage. The practical implementation of the legislation for e-scooters and the monitoring of rental companies and usage were also discussed. The Minister proposed expanding the 30 km/h speed limit zones to promote safe use of personal mobility devices and will take initiatives to implement relevant applications. The need for modifications to the legislation will be evaluated in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities.

Paphos farmers protest in solidarity with Europeans

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Paphos farmers protest in solidarity with Europeans

Farmers from Paphos, Cyprus, staged a protest on the road between Amargeti and Statos in solidarity with European farmers. The protests across Europe are a response to new environmental regulations and trade agreements, particularly the agreement with the South American common market Mercosur, which farmers believe allow cheap imports to undercut European farms. The Paphos district secretary of the farmers’ union Pek, Charalambos Pittokopitis, stated that the agricultural sector in Paphos is on the brink of destruction due to high production costs, low retail prices, and delayed payments. Inclement weather in April and May of the previous year affected fruit producers in Paphos, and the government will not reimburse them for their losses until Easter of the current year. Herodotos Antoniades, the Paphos district secretary of the farmers’ union Eka, mentioned that farmers in Paphos are leaving the profession due to strict environmental regulations and rising production costs, with young farmers not being incentivized to stay. Local farmers are calling for increased subsidies to sustain farming. Farmers are planning to meet with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and have announced a further national protest for the following week.

UN Security Council renews Unficyp mandate (updated)

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UN Security Council renews Unficyp mandate (updated)

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) for one more year, until January 31, 2025. The resolution was adopted unanimously by all 15 members of the council. This marks the second time the mandate has been renewed for a year instead of the previous six-month intervals. The resolution reaffirms previous resolutions regarding the form of the Cyprus settlement and addresses the issue of Varosha and actions by Turkish forces in Pyla. The north criticized the renewal, claiming Unficyp has failed to fulfill its basic tasks and maintains the status quo. They also mentioned an appointment of a Personal Representative for six months to determine common ground for new negotiations, advocating for two states with sovereign equality and equal international status. The north demands the implementation of an agreement with the Peace Force and the completion of road construction in Pyla.

Man dies in Limassol traffic accident

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Man dies in Limassol traffic accident

A man died from a traffic accident on the Kolossi-Akrotiri road in Limassol. The accident involved a car with a father and his son, and an oncoming vehicle driven by a British man with his five-year-old daughter. The father from the first car was killed, while the son, the British driver, and his daughter were taken to Limassol General Hospital for monitoring. The Bases police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Christodoulides reveals 14 CBMs for Turkish Cypriots

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Christodoulides reveals 14 CBMs for Turkish Cypriots

President Nikos Christodoulides has announced a set of confidence-building measures aimed at improving the daily lives of Turkish Cypriots. One of the main measures is to grant citizenship to the children of a Turkish Cypriot and a Turkish parent. Other measures include enhancing the ‘Green Line Trade’ facility and implementing various social and economic initiatives. These measures are seen as significant gestures towards the Turkish Cypriots and could help in resolving the Cyprus problem. However, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has described the measures as “full of traps.” The measures will be implemented in line with national law, international law, and the European Union (EU) acquis.

Parliament criminalises traffic sign vandalism

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Parliament criminalises traffic sign vandalism

The Parliament of Cyprus has passed a law criminalizing the damage, defacement, or alteration of traffic signs. The new legislation amends the Road Safety Law and imposes penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to €1,700, or both for such offenses. The bill was introduced by Disy MP Nikos Georgiou and was passed unanimously. The law aims to deter vandalism of traffic signs, which not only causes inconvenience to the public but can also create dangerous situations for drivers. Akel MP Costas Costa noted that the state spends between €200,000 to €300,000 annually on the restoration or repair of traffic signs. Diko’s Christos Orfanides mentioned that the Road Transport Department is now using a special foil on new traffic signs that allows graffiti to be removed easily. Alterations to traffic signs can confuse motorists regarding speed limits and directions, and can negatively impact the island’s image to tourists. Diko deputy Zacharias Koulias commented on the poor state of many traffic signs in Cyprus, with many being faded and illegible.