Intense behind-the-scenes negotiations have been underway regarding seven legislative proposals scheduled for today’s parliamentary plenary session concerning penalties issued through the traffic camera system.
The government strongly opposes the proposals, with pressure falling on ruling coalition parties to find a compromise that would “ease the burden on citizens while not invalidating a system that cost millions”, sources say.
According to information obtained by philenews, lawmakers appear to have reached an agreement on the issue of penalty payment arrangements.
Since instalment payments are considered unconstitutional, the regulation to be put forward today concerns alternative measures.
The proposal from DISY MPs would extend the payment deadline to “90 days from receipt” of the fine, rather than the current 30 days, “or 45 days with a surcharge equal to half the original amount”.
If this proposal passes, two other proposals regarding instalment payments will be withdrawn.
Regarding AKEL’s proposal for “installing timers at traffic lights with right-turn arrows where cameras operate”, with a provision that if not implemented within three months the penalties for right-turn red light violations would be abolished, sources indicate that DIKO will submit an amendment to extend the government’s implementation deadline from three to six months, after which the camera system would cease operation if timers are not installed.
In statements yesterday, Chrysanthos Savvides, an MP from the governing coalition, described a “problematic contract regarding the traffic camera system”.
He noted that eight months after legislation for graduated fines was passed, it remains unimplemented, adding that “it’s not being implemented because the company wants millions to modify the system to comply with the legislation”.
Regarding the feasibility of installing timers at traffic lights, Savvides stated: “We will support this amendment and let them rush to find a solution”.
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