Certain vehicles are prohibited from using Cyprus motorways, with offenders facing fines of €85 or, in more serious cases, imprisonment of up to one year.
Tasos Ashikkis, a police inspector from the Police Headquarters Traffic Department, explained the restrictions and the risks posed by vehicles travelling at low speeds during an appearance on Sigma’s Protoselido programme.
Under current legislation, mopeds, agricultural tractors, earthmoving machinery, self-propelled or towed cranes and other specialised vehicles are prohibited from using motorways.
Exceptions apply when these vehicles are required for roadworks or when special permission has been granted by the Chief of Police.
The 65km/h minimum speed requirement
The law also prohibits vehicles that cannot maintain a speed of at least 65km/h because of their design or mechanical condition.
Ashikkis warned that such vehicles can create serious road safety risks, potentially forcing other motorists to make sudden manoeuvres to avoid them.
He said the presence of slow-moving vehicles on motorways could increase the risk of accidents.
Fines and penalties for offenders
According to Ashikkis, police recorded 13 complaints over a one-year period involving the illegal entry of prohibited vehicles onto motorways.
If the case goes to court, offenders may face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to €3,000, or both penalties.
Police open to discussion on heavy vehicle restrictions
Asked about a proposal to introduce specific operating hours for heavy goods vehicles, Ashikkis said the Police were willing to examine the possibility.
However, he stressed that the issue affects professionals and trade, meaning any changes would require careful assessment.
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