Progress and Challenges in Traffic Camera System Installation
As the deadline approaches, the anticipated traffic camera system, which promises to enhance road safety, is on the brink of completion. The installation of 90 fixed cameras is expected to be finalized in May, a slight delay from the original March 31 deadline. This postponement stems from necessary amendments due to alterations at various points, which have extended the project’s timeline.
Current hurdles involve six specific locations—two in Nicosia and four in Limassol—where progress is either ongoing or halted, pending the Central Committee of Changes and Requirements’ approval. These points, initially agreed upon in the state’s contract with the contractor company, are now subject to change, necessitating official authorization before further work can commence.
One notable point under scrutiny is the traffic camera at Polemidia’s intersection, a site of a tragic quadruple fatal accident on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, there’s a new point in Limassol where cameras were not initially planned but are now being considered due to the ineffectiveness of two cameras on Strovolos Avenue at Makariou Street intersection.
Test recordings have commenced from the four cameras at Athalassas and Akropolis Avenues intersection in Nicosia. Moreover, two cameras on Archangelou Avenue are now operational for speed monitoring. The Ministry of Transport is also implementing practical changes to enhance visibility at camera-equipped lights and introduce driver alerts for green light timings.
Legislatively, amendments are in the pipeline to incentivize timely penalty payments and extend the grace period for fines. A novel list, pending software approval, will flag drivers who have not received their penalty notices, ensuring they are presented with fines at airports, ports, and roadblocks.
In an effort to improve compliance and awareness, the Ministry of Transport is launching an information campaign across print and social media. This initiative aims to educate the public on proper intersection conduct to avoid penalties. Despite these advancements, penalty points remain unchanged, although proposals suggest increasing the threshold for license revocation from 12 to 20 points. Offenders may have a chance to expunge points through participation in road awareness courses.
The system still faces challenges, including the non-delivery of 147,000 penalty notices and issues with companies failing to identify offending drivers. These issues are set to be addressed through legislative reforms by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Police.
