UK Bases police catching more drug drivers 

British Base Police in Akrotiri has revealed an increase in the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs leading to a rise in road traffic accidents since March.

Over a three-month period until June, 51 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or both, in the busy Limassol areas of Ladies Mile and Trachoni.

Fines of up to €600 were issued in the SBA Court last month to the offenders.

According to Chief Inspector Panicos Panayi, the increase in this type of incident needs to be stopped to reduce the number of serious accidents.

He said: “As SBA Police officers, we urge drivers to think of their safety and the safety of others and avoid drinking when they are in control of a vehicle.

“We have seen that there is an increase of fatal accidents all over the island, and we need to take all necessary measures to ensure that all of us enjoy a peaceful summer with our families’’.

To redress the balance, the chief inspector has also confirmed that drivers in ‘hot-spot’ areas will see an increased police presence where there is a higher risk of offences taking place.

There has been a 41% annual increase in arrests up to July, a 14% rise in accidents and a 91% spike in drink-drive cases.