A significant challenge has emerged for the Cyprus government regarding seven proposed bills concerning traffic cameras, which will be presented to Parliament’s plenary session tomorrow for approval or rejection.
The government opposes most of these proposals, considering some unconstitutional (payment of fines in instalments) and others impractical due to compatibility issues with existing traffic light systems (timer for right-turn arrows).
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades had previously indicated to the Transport Committee MPs that extending the payment period for fines to 90 days—effectively creating three monthly instalments—could be acceptable.
Nevertheless, MPs have maintained their positions on the bills, with some suggesting that rejection of their proposals could lead to legislation abolishing the traffic camera system entirely, at enormous cost to taxpayers.
In response to the situation, a meeting was held yesterday at the Ministry of Transport attended by Ministers Alexis Vafeades and Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, along with representatives from the Law Office and ministry officials.
According to information obtained by philenews, various proposals were discussed to resolve the impasse facing the government and prevent the cancellation of a system that has cost citizens approximately €36 million.
Sources indicate that one suggestion involved abolishing penalties related to the two white lines currently monitored by cameras (retaining only the €25 fine) to reduce public confusion, while maintaining penalties for running red lights, exceeding speed limits, and right-turn violations.
This proposal will be examined by the Law Office to determine its legal feasibility, particularly regarding the contractor agreement.
Those involved in the camera system management believe that if all seven proposed bills pass in their current form, the cameras would effectively be rendered inoperative due to impracticable implementation requirements.
For example, as noted during the meeting, mandatory implementation of timers at camera-monitored intersections is incompatible with the existing traffic light control system.
Both the Department of Public Works and Traffic Police oppose this regulation, believing it would create not only practical problems but also increase traffic accidents.
The seven bills proposed by MPs from DISY, AKEL and ELAM parties (submitted separately) provide for instalment payments for fines, extension of payment periods from 45 to 90 days, and implementation of traffic light timers within six months of the law’s enactment.
Following an opinion from the Law Office, discussions with MPs and political parties are expected to seek a compromise solution to avoid passing proposals that could undermine a system that has reduced fatalities and serious injuries, despite causing problems for drivers.
The situation will be clarified tomorrow, Thursday, in Parliament’s plenary session, when it will become evident whether the government, through the Transport Minister, will propose eliminating two camera-detected violations that have caused considerable confusion among drivers.
Parliament passed a bill more than four months ago to relocate cameras due to road marking issues, but implementation remains pending, awaiting approval from the Review Authority for Changes and Claims at an estimated cost exceeding €1 million.
