The roads in the Akamas peninsula are unsafe for many types of vehicles due to the difficult terrain, while unfettered access to motorists threatens the natural reserve, the Audit Office said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the auditor-general’s office said it carried out an on-site visit between April 15 and 17.

“We express our grave concern over the situation in relation to the current road network from the Baths of Aphrodite up to Fontana Amorosa, within the National Forest Park, as well as its unfettered and dangerous usage.”

It said the road network in the area presents “serious deficiencies” – extensive segments are riddled with potholes, stones and steep cliffs, making transit “particularly dangerous”.

Despite this, there continues to be uncontrolled access for every type of vehicle, including small vehicles unfit for such terrain.

Driver safety aside, the Audit Office said, this violates the terms of an environmental impact study issued in 2021.

The office also noted the wide use of quad bikes in the area. It said that inexperienced bike drivers, often letting minors ride along, poses an increased risk of accidents.

“Other than that, the use of these vehicles [the quad bikes] burdens the natural environment, causes noise pollution, and can adversely affect both the safety and visiting experience of hikers and cyclists.”

It is up to the state to ensure both the safeguarding of the ecosystem as well as the safety of visitors, the statement added.

The Audit Office went on to recommend a series of corrective steps – implementing controlled access, for example by installing gates; launching an awareness campaign targeted at visitors and advising of the dangers; and implementing the binding terms of the environmental impact study.

Lastly, it said it would publish its detailed findings in an upcoming special report.