Fatal traffic accidents in the Paphos district increased in 2023, compared to the previous year, assistant police chief, Michalis Nikolaou, said on Tuesday.

Nikolaou said the increase was slight, with a total of five fatal accidents in 2023, compared with four in 2022.

Nikolaou also noted a slight increase in accidents involving minor injuries, which stood at 34 in 2023, up by two from the previous year.

Road accidents involving only material damage fell in number, with a total of 284 occurring in 2023, while in 2022 there were 292.

Efforts by traffic police to prevent road accidents and collisions and improve road safety are ongoing he said.

Paphos traffic police on Monday night carried out a coordinated operation issuing 20 fines, seven of which were for speeding.

Meanwhile, a 14-year-old was also caught driving a pick-up truck with a 17-year-old passenger.

Police also checked bus drivers and issued 104 fines for traffic violations. Of these 74 were related to use of odometers, six were issued for worn-out tires and five for faulty headlights.