POLICE OUT TO CATCH PHONE & TRAFFIC LIGHT VIOLATORS

From inCyprus 1/8/2017

Police out to catch phone and traffic light violators

A traffic police official in Cyprus says officers will be out in force on the island’s roads this week during a major clampdown on mobile phone and traffic light violations.

Speaking to state radio on Tuesday morning, Traffic Police Chief Phillipos Papaelias called on motorists to exercise caution – especially during the peak of the summer holidays where many people are travelling to the beach or the mountains.

“This week’s clampdown – which got underway on Monday – will be specifically targeting motorists illegally using their phones whilst driving and those motorists violating traffic light regulations.”

“Traffic police will be out in numbers not only on motorways and main roads but also in the mountain areas. We once again call on motorists to abide by the rules of the road and to not speed, wear seatbelts, not to do dangerous overtaking and to be patient. We can all help to reduce the number of road deaths.”

It’s illegal to use your phone while driving or riding a motorcycle unless you have hands-free access, such as a bluetooth headset, voice command or a dashboard holder.

The law still applies to you if you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver.

“The slightest distraction can be fatal,” continued Papaelia “Motorists have to be 100% focused on driving.”

Police officers will also be monitoring traffic lights this week following complaints of motorists running red lights – especially late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

“Again, violating a red light can be fatal. It is not clever to violate a red light and can have tragic consequence. Motorists are also advised to slow down at traffic lights even if the light is green.”

Papaelias also called on motorists involved in traffic accidents to make sure that they not only get out of the road but also stand behind railings if there are any to ensure that they remain safe.

“We had the recent incident in Kokkinotrimithia (where a woman in a traffic accident was killed after being struck by another vehicle after she got out of her car to inspect the damage) and we do not want a repeat of this tragedy.”