Road freight transport up 11% in 4Q
The total weight of goods transported by road in Cyprus increased by 11.4% in the last quarter of 2023, rising from 9.09 million tonnes to 10.13 million tonnes.
road transport
MPs focus on making online state services more accessible
The House ethics committee discussed making online state services more accessible for digitally illiterate individuals. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou aims to simplify procedures to reduce delays and improve communication between departments and the public. Changes have been made to speed up processes at the urban planning department and Land Registry. The Department of Road Transport is expected to be fully digitized by June 2025. Measures are being taken to assist citizens who have difficulty with online applications. Labor Minister Yiannis Panayiotou highlighted improvements in streamlining services, such as faster pension payments and increased call center efficiency.
Widespread road violations during nationwide campaign
During the European Road Safety Week, police in Cyprus inspected a total of 688 trucks, identifying 852 traffic violations. This initiative was part of a broader campaign conducted across several European countries, focusing on the safety of trucks and buses. Inspections were carried out island-wide, examining the technical and mechanical condition of vehicles, as well as the documentation of both the vehicles and their professional drivers. Violations detected included issues with tachographs (243 reports), speeding (44 reports), driving under the influence (3 reports), exceeding driving time limits (13 reports), excessive or unsafe loading (40 reports), worn tires (47 reports), failure to use seat belts (33 reports), and various other infractions (429 reports). Additionally, 154 buses were inspected, resulting in 39 reports, primarily concerning vehicle documents.
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.
Parliament criminalises traffic sign vandalism
The Parliament of Cyprus passed a law making it a criminal offense to damage, deface, or alter 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. The bill was tabled by Disy MP Nikos Georgiou and passed unanimously. The state spends between €200,000 to €300,000 annually on restoring or repairing traffic signs. The Road Transport Department is replacing defaced signs with ones coated with a special foil that allows graffiti to be removed easily.
Renew your road tax by March 10
The Cyprus Transport Ministry announced that the 2024 circulation tax for all motor vehicles can be renewed for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Failure to renew the road tax by March 10 will result in a €10 surcharge and a 10% penalty on the outstanding amount. To renew the road tax, a paid-up motor insurance policy and a valid road worthiness certificate (MOT) are required. The motor circulation license can only be renewed at the Road Transport Department’s website as of June 2023. 95% of all circulation licenses were renewed online last year, with 85% opting for a full 12-month renewal. Electric vehicles are exempt from road tax. The Department’s revenues may be affected by the introduction of EVs in the Cyprus market.