As police step up traffic checks amid a spike in road fatalities, the transport ministry on Thursday launched its incentive plan for the purchase of protective equipment for motorcyclists.

Applications for the scheme will close at 12 noon on July 7. The subsidy amount is €500 or the actual cost of purchase, whichever amount is smaller.

The plan covers the period 2022-2024, with a total budget of €1.05m.

Beneficiaries are Cypriot, EU and third-country nationals who are permanent residents of Cyprus, are holders of a category A, A1 or A2 licence, and are owners of a registered motorcycle type vehicle.

Applications for protective equipment can only be made electronically through the online platform www.motosafety.gov.cy.

More details on the project’s at www.motosafety.gov.cy or by email at [email protected] .

Meanwhile, police have stepped up checks to prevent fatal and serious road collisions.

Traffic police in Nicosia and Limassol reported a total of 270 violations after checks carried out on Wednesday night to Thursday morning, police said.

And in Limassol, 12 large-capacity motorcycles and a car were confiscated, while a 27-year-old man was found riding a motorcycle without a licence and insurance. He had a passenger and tested positive for drugs, police said.

Police said the campaign aims to prevent serious and fatal road collisions, as well as to deal with delinquency and nuisance caused by vehicles that have undergone modifications.

This year has seen 20 fatal accidents with 22 victims, marking a 33 per cent increase in collisions and 37.5 per cent increase in deaths over the same time last year.

This has prompted concern, with Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos calling a broad meeting on the issue earlier this week with government departments, labour unions and other relevant stakeholders and organisations.

The Minister of Justice and Public Order Stefi Drakou said that the increase in fatal traffic accidents is dramatic and added that prevention and road safety are some of the most important tools available to achieve the goal of reducing fatal incidents by 50 per cent by 2030.

Meanwhile, National Guard Road Safety Week is also taking place this week to raise awareness and education on road safety issues.

Police, through the use of simulations and a training vehicle offer the opportunity to conscripts to experience the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive fatigue or the use of addictive substances.