Authorities are developing new regulations for electric scooters following growing safety concerns, with the issue urgently addressed during yesterday’s Road Safety Council meeting.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed that officials have drafted an action plan for personal mobility devices, particularly e-scooters, aimed at enhancing road safety and preventing accidents.
“We intend to propose recommendations and implement measures that will upgrade road safety,” Vafeades said.
The Department of Public Works will prepare formal recommendations for the Road Safety Council on this matter.
The council also discussed a proposal to increase fines for traffic violations and to establish 30 km/h zones in seven urban areas across Cyprus. Vafeades noted that traffic accidents within cities significantly outnumber those on intercity roads.
“This initiative will enhance road safety and encourage the use of road networks and pavements in urban areas by pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.
The ministry will subsidise municipalities through a scheme totalling half a million euros from its budget to implement the speed restriction zones.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis reported progress on the establishment of a driving school for traffic offenders, with the tender submission deadline set for March 28. The project is expected to be awarded by June, with the school scheduled to begin operations by year-end.
The council also examined the possibility of increasing penalties for offences that studies have shown frequently lead to fatal accidents. A proposal was presented to increase fines for failure to wear helmets, mobile phone use while driving, not wearing seatbelts, and motorcycle registration plate violations.
The council decided to refer the matter to a committee for further recommendations.
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