**Lefkara Mayor Raises Alarm Over Safety on Old Nicosia-Limassol Road**
Lefkara, Cyprus – Sophocles Sophocleous, the mayor of Lefkara, has expressed serious concerns regarding pedestrian safety on the old Nicosia-Limassol intercity road, particularly in the segment between Skarinou and Kofinou. His apprehensions stem from a noticeable increase in pedestrian traffic, primarily attributed to residents of the Kofinou reception centre, who frequently traverse the road, especially during evening hours.
In a letter addressed to Themistos Arnaoutis, the chief of police, Sophocleous highlighted the potential for accidents as more individuals use the road for their daily activities. He pointed out that the situation is exacerbated during weekends when traffic intensifies due to social events such as weddings, further increasing the risk of incidents.
The mayor noted that the existing infrastructure along this stretch of road is inadequate to accommodate the growing number of pedestrians. He specifically mentioned the lack of sufficient parking spaces, inadequate lighting, and the absence of proper pavements, all of which contribute to the hazardous conditions for those walking in the area.
In his communication with the police, Sophocleous was informed that local authorities were already aware of the safety issues. However, he stressed that immediate action is necessary to mitigate the risks faced by pedestrians. He underscored that addressing the safety concerns should not rely solely on police enforcement but also require collaborative efforts from various relevant services.
To address these concerns, the mayor announced plans to convene a meeting with stakeholders to discuss potential solutions. He emphasized the importance of redesigning the road to enhance safety, advocating for both preventive measures and stricter enforcement where necessary. Sophocleous firmly stated that the protection of human life should be the foremost priority, irrespective of individuals' backgrounds or nationalities.
As discussions around road safety continue, the Lefkara community awaits the implementation of measures that could significantly improve conditions for pedestrians along this busy route.