Dozens of road offences were recorded across the Polis Chrysochous area over the past two weekends, and many involved minors riding motor vehicles. These violations emerged despite stepped-up police campaigns and the recent death of a 16-year-old motorcyclist. The figures continue to trouble the Cyprus Police, local authorities, and the wider community. One official involved in the situation described the struggle to curb young people’s offending on the area’s roads as akin to "throwing eggs at a wall".
The fatal crash that sparked much of the concern occurred while the teenager was riding an unregistered racing motorcycle. This tragedy has intensified scrutiny on local enforcement capabilities and the broader issue of youth road safety. Authorities acknowledge that the current situation remains unacceptable for residents and visitors alike.
DIKO Paphos parliament member Chrysanthos Savvides registered the issue for discussion in parliament last week. He highlighted the understaffing and limited operational capacity of the Polis Chrysochous police station as key factors. Savvides requested a briefing on the station’s current staffing levels, its establishment posts, and any existing vacancies. He also demanded clarity on what immediate measures the state intends to take to strengthen policing in the area and on what timetable.
Road safety was raised particularly after the fatal crash involving the 16-year-old. Savvides asked for further strengthening of prevention and policing to be considered, with particular emphasis on protecting young drivers and vulnerable road users. He added that the safety of residents and visitors, and the effective prevention of road deaths, require adequate staffing, a real police presence, and systematic checks.