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.

• The Cyprus Parliament passed a bill lowering fines for certain traffic violations, particularly running red lights. MPs deemed previous fines too steep for average motorists.
• The penalty for stopping on a pedestrian zebra crossing is now €85 (down from €300), but fines for going beyond the crossing remain at €300.
• MPs criticized the traffic lights system as punitive rather than preventative. Some drivers feel “ambushed” by fines.
• Deaths from car collisions have increased by 41% since traffic cameras were implemented.
• The government plans to maintain out-of-court fines but extend payment deadlines.

Pelican pedestrian crossings are set to enhance safety in Paphos starting this Wednesday. The municipality has strategically installed these crossings at key locations:

1. Evagoras Pallikaridis Avenue: The pelican crossing will operate from midday on the section extending from its junction with Kaniggos Street to the new roundabout.
2. Hellados Avenue: Another pelican pedestrian crossing will be active from its junction with Amathustos Street to the roundabout.
3. Hellados Avenue and Onoufriou Klerides Street Junction: A third crossing will operate at the traffic lights adjacent to the municipality’s office of Technical Services.

These controlled traffic light systems are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety along these avenues. The municipality urges drivers to adhere strictly to road markings and signals for their own safety and that of fellow road users. 🚦🚶‍♀️🚗

1. Electric scooters are causing problems in Paphos, police spokesman Michalis Nikolaou said on Tuesday, since local authorities have not made provision for their conditions of use.

In the past year, police have issued 90 fines he said for scooter users committing various traffic violations. Although their use in several areas is prohibited, confusion reigns as authorities have not designated lanes or determined safe circulation areas.

Speaking to Cyprus Mail Nikolaou clarified the scooters in question are the step-on type, usually battery operated.

“The municipality needs to decide on which streets the scooters are allowed and paint lanes for them,” the police spokesman said, adding that though they may use paved areas, some streets with a designated speed limit of 30kmph could also, potentially, be open for them, provided lane markers exist.

Police have had to respond to complaints about the scooters from Kato Paphos drivers, including their frequent use by minors who sometimes use them to tow rolling seats, which is prohibited.

Nikolaou noted that on July 28 last year the laws governing the circulation of bicycles and other personal mobility devices, such as step-on scooters, were published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Referring to some of the legal prerequisites, he said use of scooters is only permitted for persons aged 14 and over, riders must wear a protective helmet, and during the night they should wear clothing with reflective strips.

Nikolaou also said transporting any passenger is prohibited, except in certain conditions and for certain vehicles, where the passenger is 12 years or older and seated.

He said that although the use of scooters under the influence of alcohol or drugs is forbidden, scooter riders are exempt from third party insurance.

Source: Scooters causing havoc in Paphos | Cyprus Mail