In Cyprus, cameras will start recording phone use and seatbelt violations

The authorities in Cyprus are preparing changes to legislation that will allow mobile traffic cameras to record drivers using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt.

The proposal was presented at a meeting of the Road Safety Council. The initiative was prompted by alarming statistics: last year, 19 people died on Cypriot roads due to inattentive or careless driving, including incidents involving phone use. Cases were also recorded where people died in accidents specifically because they were not wearing a seatbelt, even with minimal vehicle damage.

According to the Ministry of Transport’s plan, mobile cameras will operate in constant traffic monitoring mode. Using artificial intelligence technologies, the system will determine whether the driver’s hands are on the wheel and whether the seatbelt is fastened. In case of a violation, the camera will automatically capture an image, which will then be verified, and if the violation is confirmed, a fine will be issued.

Implementing this new function will require parliamentary approval and amendments to the list of violations recorded by the photo enforcement system.

Additionally, a special committee will be created to analyze the operation of traffic cameras over recent years and prepare improvement proposals by March.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafiadis noted that the photo enforcement system remains one of the key tools to combat mobile phone use while driving. According to him, “it is unacceptable that people continue to die on the roads due to drivers being distracted.”