MP Marinos Mousiouttas, of Dipa and chair of the House transport committee, moved to end the confusion surrounding alleged commissions linked to the issuing of out-of-court fines under the traffic camera system. He described the public debate as the result of an “unnecessary commotion”, likely caused by incomplete understanding of the matter by an official from the finance ministry who appeared before the House finance committee.
He stressed that the traffic camera contract for Cyprus, signed in 2021 and shared confidentially with the transport committee’s MPs, contains no provision whatsoever for any commission tied to the number of fines issued. Instead, it sets out only the charges for installing fixed and mobile cameras, as well as the hourly cost of mobile units operating on the motorway. “There is no commission,” he reiterated.
The misunderstanding, he explained, arose from the €3.95m included in the supplementary budget, which relates solely to upgrades to the system. He reminded the public that recent changes to penalties- including the €25 charge for the first offence and the new structure for other fines- required technical modifications. This process is now in its final stage and expected to be implemented in February.
Referring to the issue of traffic cameras at ports and airports, Mousiouttas clarified that although funding had been allocated and procedures had begun, it was ultimately decided that no installations would take place. This applies to the ports and airports of the Republic, as well as checkpoints and police stations. He said the decision is linked to Schengen-related obligations rather than any shift in police policy.
On the topic of a potential cabinet reshuffle, he commented that despite weeks of speculation, the President appears inclined to continue with the current government structure. Regarding the recent appointment of new permanent secretaries, he said these do not constitute a reshuffle but are a routine procedure accompanying new appointments and the rotation of positions. He also noted the return of Marios Panayides to the education ministry, recalling his earlier tenure there in 2019.
Addressing rumours that he was being considered for the transport ministry, he stated clearly that no official approach was ever made, though he admitted he had been asked about it many times by acquaintances. Such a proposal would be an honour, he said, and he would consider it — but he has received no indication.
He concluded by expressing hope that the coming year will not repeat the “black” record of road fatalities. Deaths on the road have already reached 43, with 25 days left in the year. Road safety, he stressed, depends heavily on drivers’ own behaviour.
Also read: Photorandar List to allow on-the-spot fines from cameras
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