That was the phrase that the Mayor of Agios Nikolaos, Antonis Zervos used to conclude the meeting he had called on Tuesday, to discuss the issues of the increased traffic flow and congestion on the streets of the town centre and harbour zones, and possible additional measures which can be taken, in the face of the tourist season.
In attendance, following the invitation by the Mayor, were both the Police Chief of Lasithi and the Head of the Traffic Police of Agios Nikolaos, The Harbour Master, the Councillor responsible for traffic issues, the President of the Municipal Port Fund and members of the press.
In simple terms, the Council asked that the law be enforced strictly by the the authorities and on the other hand, the authorities showed their understanding of the concerns of Mr. Zervos, but pointed out that with the very few resources available to them, and of lack of manpower in particular, they are doing the best that they can, having to cover the entire Municipality on a more or less 24 hour basis.
Officers are on duty in the town centre of Agios Nikolaos and the immediately surrounding areas, from 8am until 2am the following day, with only a six hour gap during the night, when in case of a call out, staff from the stations will attend. Elounda is an area where the police need to intervene regularly now traffic is increasing to there, and Neapolis Square is also a position where the presence of the traffic police is important, due to the parking situation.
The Harbour Master made several suggestions as to how the zone from the port to Asterias could be helped if proper initiatives were taken to prohibit parking.
Overall, nobody was able to make any firm commitment or guarantee that there will not be problems with traffic flow, parking and congestion during the summer season and the Mayor, for that reason used the phrase he did, “God’s helping hand is needed”, in concluding!
