Average speed control to be introduced on Cyprus motorways

Cyprus plans to introduce an average speed monitoring system on intercity motorways. The measure has been discussed for more than 15 years and предусматривает the installation of cameras at entry and exit points of highways.

As explained by the Director of Traffic Police, Haris Evripidou, the system will record the time a vehicle enters a specific road section and the moment it exits. If the vehicle covers the distance faster than allowed by the permitted speed, the driver will automatically receive a fine.

The official speed limit on motorways is 100 km/h; however, a tolerance of up to 120 km/h is currently allowed. This threshold will be used when calculating travel time in the system, while fines will be issued based on the base limit of 100 km/h.

The new changes are accompanied by the modernization of mobile cameras. They will receive software capable of detecting drivers using mobile phones while driving or not wearing seat belts. According to police data, these violations account for more than one third of fatal road accidents in Cyprus.

Measures against driving under the influence of alcohol are also being tightened. Repeat offenders will have their driving licenses revoked immediately. If a driver exceeds the permissible alcohol level twice within 12 months, requiring court proceedings, the license will be confiscated on the spot.

The permissible alcohol level in the body is 21 μg, while readings above 71 μg are automatically referred to court. For novice drivers, an even stricter limit applies — 9 μg, and any excess leads to court proceedings and temporary license suspension.

Authorities emphasize that the new measures are aimed at improving road safety and reducing the number of serious accidents.