SBA police intensify checks

SBA police warned drivers on Tuesday after almost 80 people have been arrested in the sovereign base areas since October, for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The number of people driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs has increased since October, the Sovereign Base Area Police said. They added that a total of 79 people were arrested in the SBAs after checks in ‘hot-spot’ areas.

According to Akrotiri Division Chief Inspector, Maria Atalioti, the increase in this type of incident needs to be stopped, as they lead to accidents and risk lives.

“Drink and drive along with speeding have been identified as the main factors of road traffic collisions,” Atalioti said.

In the last three months, she added, SBA police have intensified and will continue to conduct road safety enforcement campaigns targeting speeding, drink and drive and driving under the influence of drugs offences.

“In an effort to have safer roads within the Sovereign Base Areas our targeted enforcement campaigns have resulted in 58 drivers reported for drink and drive offences and 21 drivers reported for driving under the influence of drugs.

“If people respect their own and other peoples’ lives, they should reconsider driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Atalioti noted.