Bus drivers in Nicosia staged a two-hour strike on Friday from 09:00 to 11:00, demanding the installation of timers on traffic enforcement cameras. The bus drivers strike included members of OMEPEGE-SEK and SEGDA MELIN-PEO, who also held a protest at Solomou Square.
Drivers warned they would escalate measures if the Ministry of Transport fails to respond to their demands.
Unions call for safety measures
OMEPEGE-SEK Secretary General Charalambos Avgousti said the Ministry has not provided clear answers. He stressed that unions have proposed practical solutions, including countdown timers or warning signals before lights turn red.
He also noted that minor passenger injuries have occurred when drivers attempt to stop abruptly at traffic cameras.
Stopping distances raise safety concerns
Avgousti highlighted that buses, often measuring 12 metres and weighing nearly 20 tonnes, cannot stop easily, even at low speeds of 15–20 km/h.
Andreas Clark, a member of the Nicosia public transport safety committee, explained that a bus travelling at 45 km/h requires around 40 metres to stop, while even at 30 km/h it needs about 25 metres. He added that braking distances double in rainy conditions.
Drivers reject penalties but seek warning system
Union representatives clarified that drivers are not asking to avoid penalties or have points removed. Instead, they are calling for advance warning to allow smoother braking and to protect passengers, including those standing onboard.
SEGDA MELIN-PEO Secretary General Natia Kyritsi said 26 bus drivers have already exceeded the 18-point penalty threshold, with the biggest issue reported in Limassol. She argued that the matter has been under discussion since February 2024 without resolution.
Kyritsi cited an incident where a driver braking at just 15 km/h caused a baby to slip from its mother’s arms due to sudden stopping.
Calls for government response
Union officials stressed that the state has a responsibility to support public transport services operating year-round. They described the current camera system as a “trap” for drivers and called for immediate action.
The issue was discussed on Thursday at the House Transport Committee. A Ministry representative said the operation of traffic lights falls under the Public Works Department, which was not present at the session.
House President Annita Demetriou proposed sending an urgent letter to the Ministry requesting full clarification on the matter.
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