Road fatalities in Cyprus have surged by 30 per cent this year, marking a reversal from the country’s recent position as the EU leader in reducing traffic deaths.
Police data reveals 36 fatalities from 33 road collisions this year, compared to 24 deaths from 22 accidents during the same period last year. The figure represents a setback following two consecutive years of declining road deaths, with 31 fatalities recorded in 2022.
Despite the full implementation of a traffic camera system, which was credited for the reduced death toll in 2022-2023, authorities have observed an uptick in fatal incidents involving drivers, pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis said the problem seems particularly intense among motorcyclists and pedestrians.
A recent analysis by the Road Safety Council identified mobile phone use whilst driving as the primary cause of fatal accidents. The study also found that most deadly collisions occur in residential areas, with non-compliance with seatbelt and helmet regulations significantly impacting accident outcomes.
Officials attribute the rise partly to driver complacency regarding speed cameras. Most violations involve speeding and running red lights. Other contributing factors include reckless driving, alcohol consumption, and failure to use proper safety equipment.
In response, authorities plan to intensify policing efforts and implement targeted educational campaigns. The Justice Ministry has committed to swift action on agreed safety measures to address the concerning trend.
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