Police to increase road safety measures and presence

Police said on Tuesday they would increase road safety measures following an increase in the amount of fatal and serious traffic accidents.

Authorities agreed at meeting with Police Chief Zacharias Chrysostomou to increase the number of traffic police, by moving 50 officers from other departments in addition to 50 police cadets who finished the first phase of their training.

Existing staff will also be compensated with overtime pay, in an effort to increase checks during high risk days and times, police said.

Authorities added that they will work to raise the awareness of the public regarding road safety.

“In July, as part of a justice ministry initiative, with the support of the police and the transport ministry, an information and awareness campaign for the public will begin,” police said.

According to authorities, another measure to be undertaken is to make use of the Comstat system, geared at evaluating statistical data, used by authorities to aid decision-making.

Alcotests and narcotests are also set to increase.

Police also noted that cameras will be placed on the roads and that an evaluation of a study by UCy on increasing charges for dangerous and reckless driving will be taken into account for the creation of a new bill.

“There is a serious lack of road safety consciousness,” police said, adding that an educational framework starting in nursery school and running through the end of high school must be put in place.

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