Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis has responded to criticism regarding his handling of the Takata airbag issue.
Speaking to RIK, he stated, “This issue has existed for 20 years. When we assumed office, the accident involving Kyriakos Oxinos had already occurred. We discussed the matter in two programmes and took steps to inform the public and intensify oversight, as prescribed by law.”
He added that the essential contribution of the Department of Road Transport (TOM) and the Legal Service in drafting the legislative proposal has been recognised by MPs, emphasising, “I do not agree with this accusation. Those who criticise from the sidelines do so easily. They cannot lay blame when TOM participated for hours in meetings and discussions with MPs. I expect that Monday’s outcome will provide TOM with the tools to resolve the issue.”
Regarding responsibility, he stressed, “The regulation is clear about where responsibilities lie, what TOM must do, and what distributors and manufacturers must do. What arises in Cyprus is the so-called grey vehicles, where there is a gap in the information chain.”
On the parliamentary proposal, he expressed doubts about whether it has been finalised, noting, “They took time to study it, and there may be changes, or there may not be. We need to close the information chain.” He raised the safety issue, asking, “What do we prefer? To drive a vehicle that is a potential hazard, or to ensure no one is at risk? If someone owns an import from a third country and the airbag needs replacing, through which channel will this replacement occur?”
He also mentioned an ongoing criminal investigation to determine who failed to perform their duties properly.
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