The Director of a limousine company has called on the authorities to grant the vehicles a temporary licence allowing them to operate stretch-limousines on the island.

At present, the Road Transport Department has not licensed any of the vehicles, as there is no legislation in place governing cars measuring over six metres.

Angelos Assiotis is the head of Cyprus VIP Services, provides clients with limousines, yachts and helicopters for hire. Along with Cyprus Limousines and Limos Cyprus, a fleet of 11 Chrysler, BMW and Lincoln cars were brought to Cyprus last August.

“We have been in discussions with the Road Transport Department regarding the possibility of being granted a temporary licence until the relevant legislation was passed.  However, they have been dragging their feet and keep referring us to other departments and stalling.”

He added that the company wanted to operate legally and would do whatever is necessary to secure the relevant documentation.

The companies’ stretch limos have been in circulation, but Assiotis said he has now ordered them off the road after the police started to clamp down on the situation.

“Two of our cars were recently impounded by officers,” he said.

He attributed part of the clampdown as coming from pressure exerted by the island’s 2,000 taxi drivers who fear limousine companies will take business away from them.

“They shouldn’t worry as we are aiming for a completely different type of customer wanting to hire a limo for a special occasion such as a hen or stag party, wedding, anniversary or birthday. We have a vision and that includes higher class tourism.”

He also said Cyprus is the only EU country without a legal, regulated limousine service. Stretch limousines are regulated under EU law but Cyprus is yet to harmonise with the provision.

“It’s a shame. The government should congratulate us, not make life difficult for us,” he stated.

“We are very proud to be Cypriots but our leaders need to share our vision and look to the future. I feel as though we are sometimes living in a third world country.”

Director of the Road Transport Department, Soteris Kolettas, hit back at Assiotis’ claims.

“We have been in discussions with all interested parties for a while now and have prepared draft legislation in record time, which is on the way to the Attorney-general for approval before going before Parliament.”

Kolettas confirmed that limousines are not allowed to legally circulate on the roads as they are not registered motor vehicles, which are also not in possession of insurance cover as public service vehicles.

“If they have been on the roads, they have been acting illegally and that is a matter for the police to deal with.”