State launches speed cameras again

Law enforcement authorities in the Republic of Cyprus relaunched on Monday a number of mobile and fixed cameras to monitor traffic and catch violators, but fines through the controversial system won’t start being issued until January 1 next year.

Starting officially on Monday, traffic going through the intersection of Dimostheni Severi and Griva Digeni avenues, known to locals as former Honda traffic lights, will be checked for speed and other violations by four cameras mounted on poles.

The four fixed cameras, along with four other mobile cameras mounted police cruisers anywhere in the Republic, are part of a trial phase of a pilot program being launched by the state to catch speeders and red light violators, including those who fail to stop behind the white line when the light is red.

More cameras will be put to use later, with violators caught between now and December 31 being issued only warning tickets while actual fines are set to begin 1 January 2022.

Officials said those who are caught violating the above rules may also be subject to further fines, as officers will examine the photos to determine whether additional offences may have been committed such as using a non-hands-free phone or not using a seatbelt.

It was initially not clear whether photo evidence would be provided with the citations, while according to Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos, those who wish to dispute the fines can go to court where all evidence will be presented before a judge. Karousos later clarified photographic evidence would be provided via a website link.

Republic of Cyprus starts trial phase with fixed and mobile cameras, warnings now, fines begin January 1, more cameras later