Newly installed traffic cameras recorded about 500 violations in just two hours at a busy junction in central Nicosia, prompting the transport ministry to delay the rollout of fines.
The new pilot programme inaugurating the eight traffic cameras – four fixed and four mobile – was set to operate until the end of November, only issuing warnings instead of fines, but will now run until the end of the year.
It may seem counterintuitive that a high number of violations being recorded will lead to a longer period without fines, but, according to daily Phileleftheros, it has been reasoned that the public may need more time to familiarise themselves with the new system.
It was noted that from October 25 until January 1, 2022, traffic violations recorded by the cameras will instead only lead to a written warning which will be sent to the driver’s home address. The pilot programme has been billed as a period for the company to iron out any kinks and for drivers to acquaint themselves to the new rules.
It is worth noting however that parliament has still not fully ratified the bills giving the green light for the traffic cameras, with a final vote expected next Friday.
It was reported that the car rentals association has expressed its opposition to the billed legislation as it will shift the burden to the companies should a customer fail to pay a traffic fine recorded by the cameras.
This article was first published by the Cyprus Mail
