Marios Christofi
Drivers in Cyprus may soon start seeing flashing beacons on mobile speed camera vans after parliament approved a controversial change aimed at shifting the focus from punishment to prevention.
Police are now working with the private contractor operating the mobile camera system to prepare for the implementation of the new law, which requires vehicles carrying mobile speed cameras to display an activated flashing light while conducting speed checks.
According to reports, authorities intend to move forward with the measure, although no final decision has yet been made on exactly how it will be put into practice.
Under the law, police have three months from the publication of the legislation in the Republic’s official gazette to fully implement the changes.
Parliament pushes for “prevention, not punishment”
The legislation was approved by parliament earlier this month following a proposal submitted by MP Stavros Papadouris on behalf of the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation.
Supporters of the measure argue that mobile camera vans should be clearly visible to drivers, saying the purpose of traffic enforcement should be improving road safety, not catching motorists off guard.
Papadouris said the change is necessary to improve visibility and road safety, insisting the goal should not be “tax-collecting policies” targeting drivers.
“With the beacon, the message to citizens is that we want to change driving behavior, not punish people,” he said.
Criticism over “hidden” speed camera vans
The debate in parliament revealed growing frustration among lawmakers over how mobile speed cameras are currently being used.
MP Andreas Themistocleous criticized the practice of placing camera vans behind bins, trees, and other hidden locations “to catch drivers like trapped birds.”
He argued that the original purpose of the camera system was to reduce deadly road accidents and that cameras should be positioned in high-risk areas rather than being used mainly as revenue-generating tools.
Several MPs from across the political spectrum echoed similar concerns.
Alekos Tryfonides of DIPA said the proposal moves policy in the “right direction” by focusing on prevention instead of fines.
Zacharias Koulias of DIKO said police should respect the original purpose of the legislation.
Meanwhile, Valentinos Fakontis of AKEL argued the system had evolved into what he described as a “money-making policy,” while independent MP Eirini Charalambidou said fatal accidents had not decreased enough under the current setup.
Haris Georgiades of Democratic Rally went even further, suggesting the next parliament should examine whether mobile speed cameras should be abolished altogether.
Cyprus currently operates 20 vehicles equipped with mobile speed cameras, and officials believe the new beacon requirement can be rolled out relatively quickly once the final implementation details are settled.
