The parliament is discussing plans to build new racetracks to combat illegal street racing, following concerns about public safety and 176 related complaints filed with authorities over the past five years.
The House Transport Committee debated the proposal on Thursday, which would require approximately 300,000 square metres of land between Larnaca and Limassol and an estimated investment of 30 million euros, according to the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO).
“We cannot allow public roads to become impromptu racing circuits”, said DISY MP Nikos Georgiou, who introduced the proposal.
The initiative has gained support from CSO, the Cyprus Automobile Federation, police, and the Justice Ministry. Officials noted that Cyprus has approximately 15,000 high-performance vehicles, including Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
However, the Cyprus Automobile Association opposes the plan, arguing it won’t deter illegal racing. “It’s utopian to believe this will work. Those involved in illegal racing are motivated by showing off, not sport”, the association’s president said.
The Interior Ministry indicated support for the project provided it complies with urban planning regulations. Any facility would need to be built near a motorway, preferably between Larnaca and Limassol where most motorsport enthusiasts are based.
