Police: the reason for long queues at the “Metehan” checkpoint is the reduction of control on the southern Cypriot side to one lane

The Police of Northern Cyprus officially explained the cause of the prolonged car queues at the “Metehan” (Metehan Kara Geçiş Kapısı) checkpoint. According to the press secretariat, despite all measures taken to speed up crossing procedures on the northern side, the Republic of Cyprus limited its control operations to just one lane. This resulted in a significant slowdown in vehicle processing — sometimes with repeated delays.

It was reported that the police on their side ensured the uninterrupted operation of all their booths at the checkpoint, implementing round-the-clock (24/7) processing of passenger and vehicle flows: three lanes for entry and three for exit. Nevertheless, the restrictions introduced on the southern side became the key factor in traffic congestion and queues, forcing people to wait for long periods of time.

Thus, the police press office emphasized, the delays and traffic jams are not caused by the activities of the Northern Cypriot police, but solely by the administrative restrictions imposed by the authorities of Southern Cyprus.