The President of the Transport Committee and MP for DEPA, Marinos Moushiouttas, appeared on the programme “Protoselido”, where he addressed the issue of installing countdown timers on traffic light cameras, as well as the delivery of fines at airports and ports.
Mr Moushiouttas referred to the decisions already taken regarding the photo-enforcement system and the technical challenges that have arisen. He stressed that installing countdown timers is incompatible with the existing smart traffic light system, which adjusts traffic flow dynamically, making synchronisation with static timers impossible.
Reactions to Christodoulides’ decision
President Nikos Christodoulides’ decision to reject the proposal for installing countdown timers has sparked reactions within Parliament. Some MPs expressed disagreement, believing that countdown timers would enhance transparency and demonstrate that the photo-enforcement system is not just a revenue-generating tool.
However, Mr Moushiouttas argued that implementing the proposal would be technically unfeasible and economically unjustifiable, as it would require cancelling existing contracts and installing an entirely new traffic light system—an effort that would take at least a year and a half to complete.
The reality of violations
Regarding the fines issued through the photo-enforcement cameras, Mr Moushiouttas revealed that the majority of violations involve excessive speed and running red lights. He emphasised the seriousness of the latter, calling drivers who run red lights “potential killers”, as such actions can lead to fatal accidents.
He also responded to criticism that the government uses the system as a revenue tool, clarifying that a large portion of fine revenues goes to local authorities rather than directly to the state. Additionally, he pointed out that the company managing the cameras is not paid based on the number of fines issued, but rather for the maintenance and operation of the systems installed.
Mr Moushiouttas concluded by highlighting the need for ongoing improvements to the photo-enforcement system to ensure road safety without causing unnecessary traffic delays. He noted that the Transport Committee will continue monitoring the implementation of the measure closely to find solutions that support both road safety and driver convenience.
Also read: Payment process and deadlines for traffic camera fines
