NICOSIA - Motorists now have until February 25 to renew their road tax after Communications Minister Efthymios Florenztos announced a three week extension to the February 4 deadline. 
The minister told a press conference that because of the economic crisis a large number of organisations, other bodies as well as citizens had contacted the ministry asking for more time.
“We appreciate that we are in the midst of an economic crisis which has prevented many owners from fulfilling their obligations and that is why we have decided on an extension,” he said.
Only on Wednesday the road transport department had warned motorists that the February 4 deadline was approaching and that no deadline would be given.
By mid-week only 45% of private car owners had renewed their road tax, with officials bracing for a last minute rush which in previous years has paralysed the department’s computers.