241,695 in speeding and multitasking violations behind the wheel

Traffic Police cameras have logged a staggering 241,695 offenses since the implementation of the photo-recording system, spanning from January 1, 2022, to August 30, 2023.

According to a report from PhileNews, the lion's share of driver grievances pertains to speed limit violations, closely followed by infractions involving the white line at traffic lights and red line violations. A considerable number of complaints stemming from out-of-town drivers are centered around cell phone usage while driving. Interestingly, some drivers, who were originally cited for speeding or red light infractions, were found to have been holding items other than cell phones (e.g., sandwiches, coffee, soda) and were consequently cited for these additional violations.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, while citing statistics to AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros, revealed that by the end of August, there were 239,865 recorded violations related to speed, red, and white line transgressions. To these figures, another 1,830 violations emerged as a result of these complaints. This indicates that during the photo processing, it was discovered that drivers were simultaneously committing other offenses, such as not wearing seat belts, helmets, or hands-free device usage.

Data shows that over the same period, mobile cameras operating across all provinces detected 173,178 speed limit violations. In Nicosia, fixed cameras recorded 18,623 speed limit violations, 27,243 white line violations, and 16,574 red light infractions. Meanwhile, in Limassol, fixed cameras identified 421 speeding violations, 1,060 white line violations, and 2,226 red line violations.

Moreover, when the system detected any of the aforementioned violations—speeding, running red lights, or failing to stop at traffic lights—it also documented other offenses: 1,139 cases of driving while holding a mobile phone (recorded by both fixed and mobile devices), 56 complaints for failure to wear a helmet, 410 seat belt violations, and 225 instances of holding an item other than a mobile phone.

For reference, the implementation of photo-recording devices began on January 1, 2022, with four fixed devices operational at the first intersection in Nicosia. Subsequently, an additional 12 devices were installed at four other intersections. On July 7, 2023, Limassol saw the activation of four fixed devices, followed by four more at a second intersection on July 24, 2023.