Cyprus warns of dangerous motorhomes and trucks in EU

A new operation to remove caravans and illegal structures from a beach near the former oil refineries in Larnaca, Cyprus, has begun. Municipal and district crews removed three caravans and dismantled nine illegal shacks and makeshift constructions occupying public space. Asbestos was discovered in one of the structures, requiring specially trained teams in protective suits to handle the hazardous material. The operation follows a final warning issued on July 18 and complements an earlier sweep on a nearby beach, where six caravans were removed after 12 owners complied.

The Larnaca District Administration launched a sweep operation on Thursday morning to relocate motorhomes and demolish wooden shacks on the shoreline, located in front of the fenced area where part of Land of tomorrow will be built. Demolition of the wooden structures has begun; one contains asbestos and will be dismantled by officials in protective gear with safety measures. The issue was highlighted by 'F' last Saturday, showing images of two beaches on the Larnaca-Dhekelia road that were illegally occupied, with no authority taking action. After intervention by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, the district administration was instructed to remove motorhomes and shacks. Nine structures, mostly wooden, were built on the Land of tomorrow site, along with three motorhomes that received notices last Tuesday.

Larnaca authorities removed illegal RVs and makeshift structures from a beach near the Marine Club. After an ultimatum, 12 owners voluntarily removed their vehicles, while 6 were towed and 9 structures demolished.

On Tuesday morning, an operation removed illegal structures and motorhomes from a beach near the Larnaca Nautical Club, where owners had allegedly blocked access to other bathers. Similar action is expected on a neighboring beach with wooden huts built over the water. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou intervened after weeks of inaction, leading to warning letters on Saturday and the start of motorhome removal on Tuesday. Large stones were placed at the beach entrance to prevent large vehicles from entering.

A sweep operation began Tuesday morning on a beach near the Larnaca Nautical Club, removing caravans that had blocked public access for weeks. By 9am, four caravans had been seized, and large stones were placed at the beach entrance to prevent re-entry of large vehicles. The operation was carried out by the Larnaca District Administration with assistance from the Larnaca Municipality and police, following intervention by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.

On the morning of January 15, 2025, police and Larnaca authorities confiscated four campers on the beach near the Larnaca Yacht Club. Boulders were placed at the entrance. Similar measures are expected on a neighboring beach.