The safety of the citizens and visitors of Paphos is non-negotiable, according to the mayor of Paphos who emphasizes that legality will be applied without exceptions.
Referring to the problem with personal mobility devices, he points out that the Municipality of Paphos continues, in close cooperation with the Paphos Traffic Police, the effort to deal with the uncontrolled use of Personal Mobility Devices and other wheeled means on pedestrian streets and public spaces.
Angelos Onisiforou thanked the Paphos Traffic Police for the excellent organization, coordination and controls it carries out to deal with the problem. Special thanks are expressed to Lieutenant Mr. Andronikos Tsappis, head of the Paphos Traffic Police, and to Sergeant Mr. Christos Liasidis, Road Safety Officer, as well as to all the members of the Traffic Police who participate in the control operations.
This effort is not only about the implementation of legislation. It is primarily about the protection of the pedestrian, he notes, stressing that every citizen, every elderly person, every parent with their child and every visitor who walks on a pedestrian street must feel safe.
The pedestrian street is a space for pedestrians. No one should walk in fear that an electric scooter or other device will pass by them at high speed and may drag or injure them.
Most of the complaints received by the Municipality, he concludes, came from citizens who expressed serious concerns, while there were also reports of injuries associated with the uncontrolled use of such means.
Particular attention is also needed in the case of electric mobility wheelchairs, which are intended to serve people with mobility difficulties and those who really need them. Their use cannot be turned into an uncontrolled activity of entertainment or rental for minors, creating risks for them and for pedestrians.
A pedestrian street, especially in the tourist area of Paphos, cannot be turned into an area where pedestrians are forced to avoid electric scooters and other wheeled vehicles that move at speed or are used in a way that endangers public safety.
Paphos is a tourist destination and we must protect our citizens and visitors alike. We want tourists visiting our city to safely enjoy the pedestrian streets, our coastal area and public spaces, said Angelos Onisiforou.
