More than 11,000 traffic camera fines have been paid in recent days after police set a March 31 deadline before cases are referred to court.
Many drivers encountered difficulties accessing the management company’s website to check for outstanding fines, while others found their fines were locked due to incorrect details or sold vehicles. Some were unable to contact the company due to overwhelmed phone lines.
Republic Prosecutor and Law Office spokesperson Polina Efthyvoulou told philenews that traffic camera offences cannot be written off, contrary to claims by some lawyers.
She explained that regardless of whether a notification was received, the Attorney General has the right to prosecute such cases due to the severe penalties involved.
Efthyvoulou added that defendants face higher fines and a criminal record if convicted in court, compared to settling out of court. The out-of-court settlement option is designed to save both money and time, she said.
While lawyers question the validity of prosecuting unnotified offenders and cited a 12-month statute of limitations for offences carrying prison sentences, officials maintain that camera fines operate under different rules as an out-of-court settlement opportunity.
Sources note that prosecuting all 200,000 outstanding cases would be impractical and could overwhelm the justice system.
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