Bypass safety move at store,
BARRIERS are to be erected at the side of the Girne bypass and street lighting has been improved amid road safety concerns sparked by the opening of a new branch of the popular Mr Pound bargain chainstore.
Girne motorists voiced their fears of a new accident blackspot last week as budget shoppers flocked to the new three-storey Mr Pound Plus shop which opened beside the dual carriageway near Zeytinlik.
Residents also took to social media to voice their anger at authorities for allowing direct access to the bypass, some commenting that the precedent had already been set by previous developments such as the Çangar Motors and Gym and King’s Bowling premises. Mr Pound owner Ali Özay said he had met municipal and highways officials after the December 27 launch to come up with solutions to the traffic chaos.
The entrepreneur told Cyprus Today: “People parking on the hard shoulder, reversing into the main road or even parking on the opposite side of the bypass to cross the road on foot, were all warned verbally on our tannoy system that police would arrive to book them.
“Some customers were extremely rude.”
Mr Özay added: “I am in receipt of all the relevant permits since 2015 and had meetings with the Girne mayor and head of the traffic police some time ago when I warned them that barriers were required to prevent hard shoulder parking and that street lighting should be improved.
“We met again last Friday when it was agreed that the Highways Department would install barriers, and the street lighting was improved three days ago.
“I am employing three security officers . . . and I have a car park for 120 vehicles.”
Girne Municipality Public Works Department spokesman Ayşe Baysal said Mr Özay was also to “revise the entrance and exit roads” and his security staff would “direct customers and keep the slip road clear”.
Drivers were warned to use caution, slow down and keep to the outside lane when passing the new store. Ms Baysal added: “Stop signs, new entrance and exit signs and fencing will be put in place by the owner and the mayor will appoint staff to oversee completion.
“A second meeting has been scheduled with Mr Özay and the Highways Department, District Office and municipality.”
Answering criticism of development on the bypass, a spokesman for the municipality’s Public Works and Zoning Department said: “There is a real danger of accidents at such sites . . .