The addition of a third lane at the Metehan (Ay. Demet) crossing has not eased traffic congestion, according to a report in Politis.
The paper said the new lane is not kept open continuously and is activated only during periods when authorities believe traffic is heavy.
As a result, long queues — sometimes stretching up to a kilometre within minutes — continue to form, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
Citing an official source, Politis reported that the Republic of Cyprus side of the crossing does not maintain staff in all booths at all times, though personnel are available and deployed when needed.
The same source said poor scheduling meant staff often began their shifts when traffic was light, only for long queues to develop shortly afterward. The problem is most acute on weekends and public holidays. The issue has been raised with the competent authority, which has reportedly agreed to review the situation.
The paper also carried complaints from motorists, who said delays are worst in the early morning and after 3 p.m. Turkish Cypriots reported frustration with the duration of identity checks and the resulting hold‑ups. The official source responded that detailed checks are not carried out exclusively on Turkish Cypriots.