The Council of Ministers has approved a bill that significantly increases penalties for using hosepipes to wash cars, pavements, and other premises.
Speaking on state radio, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou, said the bill is being fast-tracked through Parliament. It proposes raising on-the-spot fines from €50 to €100- and up to €300 for repeat offences.
Under the proposed amendments, using a hosepipe for such purposes remains a criminal offence, but the maximum penalties will double. The current limit of three months’ imprisonment will increase to six months, and the maximum fine will rise from €500 to €3,000, or both.
The new legislation also designates District Local Government Authorities as the responsible enforcement bodies. Inspectors from the Water Development Department and members of the police force will be authorised to monitor compliance.
Grigoriou added that the government expects the bill to be passed before Parliament breaks for the summer.
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