Newsroom
A new incident involving an ambulance caught in traffic shows how Cyprus’ photo-enforcement system affects emergency response.
A video released by Riana Constantinou, head of the Ambulance Service, shows an ambulance with its sirens and lights operating, unable to move through a junction because the vehicles in front refused to pass a red light. Although motorists understood that it was an emergency, many stayed put out of fear that the cameras monitoring the intersection would automatically issue them a fine.
The situation has once again raised questions about whether the current system properly accommodates emergency vehicles that need a clear path in life-or-death situations.
Police response: drivers will not be fined
Commenting on the incident, Christiana Stefanidi from the Traffic Department’s Prevention Office said that such hesitation from drivers creates serious delays. She stressed that motorists are not penalized for moving out of the way of ambulances or police cars, explaining that the operator of the camera system has been explicitly instructed not to issue fines in these cases.
Stefanidi added that, beyond the fixed cameras, there are additional short-term recording devices that allow authorities to verify whether an emergency occurred at a specific moment. This ensures that no automatic fine is sent to drivers who acted to let emergency vehicles pass.
She reminded the public that when an ambulance approaches with lights activated, drivers must make space, whether by moving forward or by shifting to the right or left, depending on their position, so that emergency crews can reach those in need without delay.
