Camera fines Update

Traffic violations and the associated fines have been a topic of discussion in the House recently. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades has pledged to provide an official position within a week after a road safety council meeting.

1. Red-Light Violation Fine:
   • Currently, if someone crosses a red traffic light, the fine is €300, and there are no plans to reduce it.
   • The ministry’s proposal is to maintain the current fines. However, if only the first line of the red light is crossed, offenders can have their fine reduced by 50% if they pay within a fortnight.
   • The ministry will also discuss proposals from MPs regarding these fines.
2. Improvements at Junctions:
   • Some improvements have already been made at junctions, resulting in significantly fewer complaints and a 28% reduction in fines since the changes were implemented.
   • The ministry is preparing a comprehensive study on all junctions.
3. Deadline to Pay Fines:
   • There’s a discussion about extending the deadline to pay fines. While the ministry suggested 30 days, the recent meeting heard suggestions ranging from 60 to 90 days.
4. Changes Passed by the House:
   • Changes related to first- and second-line violations have already been approved by the House.
   • Implementing these changes may require alterations to software and technical equipment, followed by approvals, which could take up to 12 months.

Overall, it’s essential to strike a balance between road safety and fair penalties for traffic violations.