Speed Bumps - Refurbishment

[2QuarterPints]

Apologies if this has been raised before, but I have searched and found nothing. However, it is more than possible that I have not used the correct terminology when searching leading to no hits.

As we know, speed bumps are everywhere in Cyprus but, almost without fail, the painted markings have all but faded away, and seeing cars bouncing across them at speed is a daily occurrence. Not just tourist cars as locals are often caught out too. Although the clues are always there e.g. roadside signs, schools etc. I sometimes think that there are so many that some brains just tune them out. Driving through Kissonerga, as an example, is a case in point where there a more than just a few in a couple of hundred yards. The garages must love it as replacing shock absorbers is probably quite lucrative, but it is a situation that can be easily remedied. Although I have not seen him for a while now, I often see a chap painting the black and white kerbs along the main roads, presumably to aid visibility, and it is basically an extension of the same concept of improving safety.

I am wondering if any of the forum users are influential in local politics, or know someone who is, who could think about doing something about it. Purely speculation, but I would not be surprised if monies were available from the EU from a H&S fund or whatever.

The same applies to most Zebra Crossings that I have seen.

[Devil]

Many speed bumps in some other countries have been eliminated because they contribute unnecessarily to increased pollution. Vehicles slow down then accelerate to the next bump 80 m further on. NOx measurements round bumps are significantly higher. Rather than ask for them to be repainted, ask for them to be removed!

[Kili01]

Actually , I wonder what sort of paint is used here in Cy, as it doesn't seem to be very durable? Not just speed bump markings, but also other road markings such as centre lines, and solid stop lines at some road junctions could also do with a new coat of white paint to make them easily visable. Specially with the onset of winter coming soon with longer hours of darkness... Thats if there is some spare paint left after the recent bout of painting yellow lines on roads, zizgag while lines all over the place warning of yet more speed bumps, level crossings, and other supposed traffic calming methods!

Dee

[smudger]

Totally agree Dee, have thought for a long time that the paint here doesn't seem to last half as long as that in UK, can't really speak for other countries. It's no sooner repainted than it's disappeared again!

[Varky]

Many speed bumps in some other countries have been eliminated because they contribute unnecessarily to increased pollution. Vehicles slow down then accelerate to the next bump 80 m further on. NOx measurements round bumps are significantly higher. Rather than ask for them to be repainted, ask for them to be removed!

That may be the case in highly populated areas of the UK but I don't think it really is as serious in Cyprus. Besides I think the standard of driving here in Cyprus warrants more speed bumps in places where road priority is not so clear. Lines are not enough as they soon disappear.

[ApusApus]

Lines are not enough as they soon disappear.

Or are just totally ignored!


Shane

[panoscouse]

The standard of driving in Cyprus is certainly no worse than the UK. if anything it is far better. Mutch less road rage, the problem is mainly caused by drivers that are far to impatient and cannot envisage the movement of other drivers. A result of driving in too much of a hurry. Take your time there's plenty of it, that's why you are here. Enjoy life.

[JimX]

The driving standards on Cyprus are appalling, I drive to conditions but we seem to be on our own, I cannot see any improvement in my time here, truly dreadful.

As for sleeping policemen, (speed bumps) the best that seems to last the longest are the hard rubber type, they are not painted.

[Dominic]

I would disagree. When we first started visiting Cyprus the traffic lights were routinely ignored. It was real pot luck. Now at least they are generally adhered to. And road rage in the UK is much, much, much worse than it is in Cyprus.

[mike strand2]

In Pafos many speed humps have been removed (where the road has been resurfaced) to the benefit of houses alongside. Less disturbing vibration & noise, never mind less pollution. Whether this is anything to do with our mayor, I don't know. If so, well done Mr mayor.

Last week I could smell the hot paint lining & saw the refelctive glass beads being rolled in.

[JimX]

[quote=Dominic post_id=37215 time=1507614229 user_id=157]
I would disagree. When we first started visiting Cyprus the traffic lights were routinely ignored. It was real pot luck. Now at least they are generally adhered to. And road rage in the UK is much, much, much worse than it is in Cyprus.
[/quote]


Dominic, I have no idea how long you have been here permanently but traffic lights are still ignored and use of mobiles has increased while driving, indicators what are they? so no improvement in my time here, in fact, the opposite, it maybe quiet where you live but in any town area it is expect the unexpected, most of the drivers here need to take a driving test again, if they ever have done in the first place.

Every day you drive on Cypriot roads is to take your life in their hands, so I see no improvements at all.

[ApusApus]

I think it all comes down to expectation!

On a dual carriageway in the UK I don't expect to see someone coming at me in my outside lane, in Cyprus I do!

When someone in front of me has their right indicator on, in the UK I expect them to turn right, in Cyprus they could turn left, they could go straight on, they could even pull over & stop ............ who knows!

When I'm at traffic lights & they go green, in the UK I would expect to pull away with a high degree of safety, in Cyprus I would pull away with a high degree of caution as there is probably (usually a Cypriot) jumping his red light!


Shane

[Dominic]

I drive through Paphos every day, and drive all over the place routinely when I am out taking photographs. As to how long we have been here, we first started visiting in the pre EU days, and driving then was a lot worse. In those days, driving from Coral Bay to Paphos was a real eye opener. These days people drive a lot more sedately.

[2QuarterPints]

It doesn't take long for a simple post to turn into an argument...

As someone who to's and fro's between the UK and Cyprus on a regular basis, the "expect the unexpected" approach to driving here has led to me being a safer driver In the UK. My spatial awareness has increased significantly and that can be no bad thing. However, drivers here often make Italians seem like careful and considerate motorists and, if the government ever needed to raise revenue, the Police could have a heyday.

[Dominic]

More a spirited discussion than an argument.

[Kili01]

I tend to agree with much of what Allersley writes. He and I have both been here for quite a long time. I came to live here in 1999. In that time the roads have improved considerably, especially in some parts of Paphos,we have dual carraigeways and a motorway style dual carraigeway, from Paphos to Limassol and beyond. We also have an increasing number of roundabouts. In theory the roads should be much safer, it's usually the drivers who do stupid things like jumping red lights(yes,some motorists do!) the general aversion to using car indicators,pulling out of side roads without checking, the tendency of some to drive too fast and to 'tail gate' the car in front and on some roads such as the Polis Rd to overtake too close to blind corners that may cause accidents.
It would be good to occasionally see the police pull over drivers who they see disobeying the highway code or driving dangerously or carelessly. But usually the police are not around when these violations happen.

Dee

[trevnhil]

I have just had a return journey to Nicosia today and have seen all the things you mention Dee. Including undertaking on the motorway..

[Shogun]

The Cyprus Highway Code
1. Driving is on the left with overtaking on the right. Despite this rule, drivers in Cyprus will often 'undertake' you on the left. This is fairly common as many Cypriots do not use the left hand lane as the regular lane and the right hand lane for overtaking only. If the vehicle in front of you is only just exceeding the speed limit you are entitled to undertake them or overtake them, even on a blind bend. Do not be concerned about traffic coming towards you; it is their responsibility to take evasive action.
2. Traffic emerging from side roads have full right of way over those on the main highway.
3. Likewise, traffic coming in the opposite direction and turning right in front of you has total priority.
4. If you are waiting to pull out of a turning, do not move until you can pull out right in front of someone (try to ensure that the road behind them is empty) ideally causing them to slam on their brakes. Other drivers are usually delighted at an unexpected opportunity to test their reaction times.
5. Unexpectedly and without warning, stopping in the middle of any road to have a chat with another driver coming in the opposite direction is completely normal so don’t be alarmed. You will find that sounding your horn, flashing your lights or shouting will have minimal effect on the time you are delayed.
6. Always cut corners. You’ll be amazed at how much fuel this saves over a year.
7. At junctions, “Stop” does not actually mean “Stop” – it’s just that “Give Way if you really, really have to” would not fit on the sign.
8. Traffic Lights are only advisory. A “Red Traffic Light” does not mean “Stop” - You should continually edge forward ready to roar away the moment the lights change. That half second you save may be invaluable when you are older.
9. Please be aware that the intermittent flashing light found on each corner of your vehicle is strictly for ornamental purposes only. On no account should they be used to try and indicate direction of travel or before performing a manoeuvre as this will only confuse other road users. Predicting what the driver in front is going to do is a pleasant pastime for other drivers.
10. Parking in town and city centres is not always easy but fortunately there are some “Free Parking Areas” – these are easily identified by the black and white “zebra” style markings with zigzag lines either side. Should these spaces be full (they usually are) then you must not park on the double yellow lines. Instead park on the pavement alongside. Do not worry about the pedestrians as they will have ample room to go around your car and into the road. If you do use a carpark, please ensure that you take up more than 1 space and feel free to use the space reserved for disabled drivers.

Special Note:- Please be aware that some wheelchair disabled people think that where the kerbs have been lowered, it is for their benefit. This of course is not true and they are lowered to allow easy access to park your car on the pavement
11. Currently, apart from a couple of ‘fast food’ outlets, there are no drive-thru shops in Cyprus. This means that you must walk (an ancient form of transport) from your car to whichever shop you want to go into. To save wear and tear on the legs ensure you abandon your vehicle as close to the door as possible.
12. If you are a moped driver you must protect your feet by wearing the correct protective flip flops. You must also ensure you cover your hair with lots of Extra Strong Gel. This will give your head great protection and alleviate the need to wear one of those nasty, unattractive “helmet” type hats. Unfortunately there is a side effect in that it assists in swift decapitation BUT on the plus side, it saves having to waste time and expense taking you to hospital after a crash.
13. Also a moped driver should remove any type of “silencer” from his bike. It is important that no one should be denied hearing the tuneful melody emitted by a souped up 50cc “Ducati 911”
14. If drinking and driving it is essential you don’t forget your car and you must be VERY careful not to spill your drink.
15. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is not only acceptable it’s obligatory, especially for text messages. If you are female between 16 and 40 it’s compulsory. You MUST be on your mobile within 50 metres of your starting position or within 2 minutes of entering the car.

16. It is not required to secure children in the rear of a vehicle; in fact it is encouraged to get them to use the rear seat as a substitute ‘bouncy castle’ to keep them entertained and not distracting you whilst you are on the phone.
17. At night, HIGH beams and additional fog lights MUST be used at all times especially when travelling in well-lit areas.
18. If you are not a Cypriot, expect to be stopped by the police for no reason. You could be asked if you have been drinking….this is classed as a Breathalyzer test since actually doing the test would mean the policeman having to do some actual work. There is no requirement to stop if a police car or motorcycle comes up behind you with blue flashing lights. This is actually illegal. They are actually breaking their own rules. They only do it because they haven’t bothered to read the regulations.
19. If you have an accident, call the police or your insurance company since if the other driver is Cypriot, they will be calling all available friends and family members so that they may "help" by milling around waving their arms and shouting.
20. The motorway hard shoulder is not to be used for broken down vehicles, but must only be used as a third lane when the traffic is especially heavy. If you have broken down and are using the hard shoulder, get as far away from your car as possible and pray.


The only exception to the above “rules” should, obviously, be taxi drivers. For as we all know they can do exactly as they like!
Happy Motoring!

[trevnhil]

This was on the busy section of the motorway entering Nicosia. All three lanes were full, but someone in the outer (3rd) lane just had to get ahead and barged into the centre Lane taking the polish off the front offside wing.. He forged ahead and then moved into the outside lane again..

[J B]

17. At night, HIGH beams and additional fog lights MUST be used at all times especially when travelling in well-lit areas.

17a - alternatively, there is no real need to use lights, as you know they lower fuel consumption considerably!