**Only 20% of Traffic Camera Fines Successfully Served in Cyprus**
In a recent session of the House legal affairs committee, lawmakers were informed that only 20% of the approximately 190,000 attempts to serve traffic camera fines have been successful. This statistic highlights significant challenges in the enforcement process of traffic violations captured by automated cameras in Cyprus.
The figures, presented by the road transport department, raised concerns regarding the current methods used to notify motorists of outstanding fines. The committee examined the practice of serving fines through a system known as the “Photo Radar List,” which is utilized at police stations and designated crossing points. Lawmakers expressed apprehension that some drivers may remain unaware of their fines due to potential inaccuracies in their address details.
During the discussion, officials from the road transport department provided updates on ongoing legislative efforts aimed at modernizing the fine notification process. A draft law that would allow for fines to be served electronically via SMS and email has already completed public consultation. This draft legislation has been with the Law Office for legal vetting since February 4, indicating progress towards a more efficient system.
Committee members sought further clarification on several key points, including the total number of outstanding fines, the procedures followed during the service of these fines, and the status of the proposed electronic notification legislation. The lawmakers raised concerns about the implications for motorists who may never receive notification of their fines due to incorrect address information, questioning whether these individuals could face court proceedings or accumulate penalties without any fault of their own.
Additionally, there were reports that some motorists had been made aware of their outstanding fines while passing through crossing points or airports. This led to broader discussions regarding the compliance of the current enforcement process with existing legislation. Justice ministry officials clarified that the “Photo Radar List” is not utilized at airports or ports, emphasizing that outstanding fines are served exclusively at police stations. They also noted that the document-checking systems in place at airports do not link to the outstanding fines database, meaning that motorists are not identified through routine passport or identity checks.
Police representative Harris Evripidou confirmed that fines are served at police stations, crossing points, and other authorized locations. He acknowledged that if motorists were informed of outstanding fines during passport control, as some reports suggested, it would be considered an error. Evripidou further explained that only fines for which previous service attempts by a private process server had failed are included in the current enforcement process.
A representative from the Law Office informed the committee that the proposed legislation would permit fines to be served anywhere within Cyprus. However, the practical implementation of this process remains an operational matter for the police and the private process-serving company involved.
The committee plans to revisit the topic in a future meeting, as lawmakers continue to seek solutions to improve the effectiveness of traffic fine enforcement in Cyprus. The current situation raises questions about the adequacy of existing notification methods and the potential need for reform to ensure that all motorists are properly informed of their obligations.