Sir,
I have been a regular visitor to your lovely island for the past 14 years. I now own a small apartment in Cyprus. Over the last few years I have grown increasingly concerned at various trends which are happening in Paphos and through conversations with other visitors, I know that they are concerned also. I list them as follows:
1. Two years ago, my wife and I were charged £20 to travel from Paphos airport to Anavargos as distance of approximately 16km. We challenged this price and were argued down by the rude taxi driver that we pay that amount. Since that time, we have never used a taxi from Paphos airport. As you are bound to agree this was a scandalous occasion.
2. Two months ago, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law arrived at Paphos airport to spend time in my apartment. A neighbour in the complex kindly agreed to meet them and take them to my apartment. He had not met them before and held up a board with their name on. A police officer told him to move his car and not to return to the airport. My friend complied with this but his actions were not unlawful and therefore the police officer could not bar my friend from returning to the airport. My brother-in-law then had to take a taxi to Yeroskypou and was charged £17 for 12km. This is outrageous and should be stopped immediately. Could I draw your attention to a travellers’ handbook obtained from Paphos Tourist Office on December 7, 2006, Page 162, Section 2 regarding Rural Taxis.
Rural taxis are allowed to be hired from their base station only. An exception is permitted, when hiring is made at the airport or seaport, where the taxi driver must present such document proving the collection of certain customers. Rural taxis are not equipped with taxi meters. Charging commences upon the entry of a passenger in the taxi and is based on the following chart:
a) Tariff 1 (06:01 – 20:30 hrs) single trip 26 cents per km.
Return trip 20 cents per km.
b) Tariff 2 (20:01 – 06:00 hrs) Single trip 31 cents per km.
Return trip 26 cents per km.
c) For every piece of luggage weighing more than 12 kg there is a charge of 26 cents per piece
d) Delay or waiting time charge;
For tariff 1 £5.95 per hour
For tariff 2 £7.75 per hour
e) Minimum charge £1.50
3. Walking on the sea front in Paphos from December 2-9 my wife and I were accosted on numerous occasions by British timeshare sales people and this spoiled our holiday. If the authorities do not do something about this problem then this will put many people off visiting again as happened in Tenerife.
W E Smith
Honley Holmfirth, Yorkshire, UK
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