Despite the addition of a third traffic lane at the Agios Dometios checkpoint, long waits and driver frustration continue at the crossing point with the highest vehicle flow on the island.
An on-site visit confirmed that although an additional inspection lane has been installed, it does not operate on a continuous basis. Instead, it is staffed only when authorities deem traffic conditions to qualify as peak hours or when queues have already built up.
Within minutes, lines of vehicles can stretch beyond one kilometre.
Authorities: No understaffing at the checkpoint
According to a competent source who spoke to Politis, the issue is not understaffing. Police have ensured personnel are available, but the additional inspection booth operates only when considered necessary.
“It is true that there is not always an officer stationed at the booth, but there is staffing available. Once traffic increases and delays are observed, the additional control point operates normally,” the source said.
Asked whether the operational planning may have been flawed, the source said the matter would be re-examined.
During our visit, traffic was light before the expected peak period. However, within minutes, queues exceeded one kilometre. This observation was also raised with officials, who reiterated that they would reassess the arrangements.
Traffic and delays intensify particularly on weekends and public holidays. The announcement of a third lane had raised hopes among both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots that congestion would ease significantly.
“One extra lane is not enough”
Drivers interviewed described the new measure as welcome but insufficient on its own.
Several confirmed that additional inspections do take place during morning hours and after 15:00, when traffic increases. However, they stressed that the third lane should operate permanently.
Some Turkish Cypriot drivers also complained of delays during identity checks. A competent source confirmed that checks have become more thorough on both sides and said this does not concern Turkish Cypriots exclusively.
Drivers speak of uncertainty and lost time
Ahmet, a Turkish Cypriot who crosses almost daily to work in the government-controlled areas, said the additional lane is a positive step but does not solve the problem if it is not consistently operational.
“When it’s open, traffic flows better. But when it remains closed, the wait becomes unbearable and we lose time unnecessarily,” he said, adding that uncertainty over when the lane will open causes further frustration.
Enver, a Turkish Cypriot student who crosses daily to attend classes, described similar experiences. “Especially in the mornings, a small delay can easily turn into half an hour or more,” he said, noting that he risks arriving late or missing lectures.
Androulla, who crossed to visit her aunt in the north, said prolonged waiting creates psychological strain. “There should be a new checkpoint to serve more people. Here, if you miscalculate the time, you may end up waiting more than 30 minutes,” she said.
Kemal, a construction worker employed in the government-controlled areas, said delays directly affect his earnings. “I leave home early but never know if I’ll arrive on time. If the additional inspection point is not operating, I can lose half an hour or more. At the end of the day, that means less work and more exhaustion,” he said.
Andreas, a Nicosia resident who regularly crosses to visit friends in Kioneli, pointed to the psychological impact of unpredictability. “It’s not just the delay. It’s sitting in your car not knowing whether you’ll cross in 10 minutes or be stuck there for an hour,” he said, adding that such uncertainty discourages even simple social interactions that should be routine.
While authorities insist there is no staffing shortage and that operations are adjusted according to traffic levels, drivers on both sides continue to call for more consistent management of the checkpoint to reduce uncertainty and restore predictability to daily crossings.