Cyprus’ Supreme Constitutional Court has ruled that the recently approved traffic light timer law is unconstitutional, citing a direct violation of Article 80.2 of the Constitution. The law had called for countdown timers to be installed at traffic lights where photo enforcement cameras are in operation, a proposal initially introduced by MPs and passed by Parliament.
However, the President of the Republic refused to sign the bill, returning it to the House on the grounds that it would lead to additional costs for the state- a breach of the Constitution, which prohibits laws submitted by MPs that increase public spending.
Despite the President’s objections, Parliament insisted on the law’s implementation, arguing that it left the final decision to the Executive Branch. If timers were not installed within six months, the relevant provisions would be suspended rather than enforced, the MPs claimed.
But the Court took a different view. It found that the traffic light timer law created a positive legal obligation for the state to act, as installing the timers would require costly upgrades to both equipment and software. These expenses, the Court ruled, constitute an inevitable budget increase- regardless of timing- and are therefore unconstitutional when proposed through parliamentary initiative.
The decision reaffirms that only the Executive has the authority to initiate legislation that would burden the national budget, as outlined in Article 80.2 and reinforced by Article 179, which guarantees constitutional supremacy.
The Court did not proceed to assess further issues, such as potential violations of the separation of powers, as the financial violation alone was deemed sufficient to declare the law invalid.
Court’s summary ruling
The Court concluded that the law was “contrary and inconsistent with Article 80.2 of the Constitution and, by extension, also contrary to Article 179.” The formal opinion will now be communicated to the President and the House of Representatives.
Also read: Countdown timers on traffic cameras are “technically impossible”
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