Filenews 16 August 2022
Increased measures, throughout the three-day holiday period, were taken by the Police, in order to ensure the safety and protection of citizens during their movements on the road network. The implementation of specific action plans and the presence of the members of the Police on the road network, especially in the areas of mass public trafficking, seem to have yielded positive results, both in terms of providing facilities to road users and in preventing serious and fatal road collisions.
The policing measures on the road network included, as always, the carrying out of traffic checks, with emphasis on the control of violations that are proven to be the main causes of serious and fatal road collisions, such as speed limit violations, the non-use of seat belts by drivers and passengers of cars and a protective helmet by motorcyclists, the use of a mobile phone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and traffic signs violations. At the same time, emphasis was placed on the control of violations that affect the smooth conduct of traffic and hinder the movement of citizens on the road network, such as violations of illegal parking of vehicles and obstruction of traffic.
A total of 1,680 traffic violations were identified and reported during the three-day period, between Friday and Monday, August 12 and 15. Of the complaints made, 121 drivers found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as the 732 complaints made about speed limit violations, stand out.
Regarding the failure to wear a seat belt, 61 complaints were made, among them 14 complaints about the transfer of more than the allowed number of passengers in a vehicle, while regarding the failure to use a protective helmet by motorcyclists, 20 complaints were made. Another 36 complaints concerned the use of a mobile phone or other object while driving, while a further 77 violations of traffic signs and traffic lights were found and reported. There were also 18 complaints about illegal overtaking.
During the traffic checks, 22 persons were reported after they were found to be driving vehicles without being holders of a valid driving license, while 53 drivers were reported after being found driving vehicles for which there was no valid certificate of suitability, and 20 drivers were reported after being found driving vehicles, which are registered with the Department of Road Transport, as immobilized. Another 22 complaints concerned drivers who were found driving vehicles without being covered by an insurance certificate.
For violations of illegal parking of vehicles, a total of 242 complaints were made, of which 29 complaints related to illegal parking in parking spaces for people with disabilities. A further 42 complaints were made about traffic obstruction violations.
The policing measures and actions on the road network nationwide, as well as the traffic control, continue by the Police on a daily basis. The sole aim is to cultivate and consolidate road consciousness and to prevent fatal and serious road collisions.
