South Cyprus Preparing AI Camera Enforcement for Phone and Seatbelt Offences

South Cyprus Preparing AI Camera Enforcement for Phone and Seatbelt Offences

Authorities in South Cyprus are preparing legislative changes that would allow mobile traffic cameras to automatically record drivers using mobile phones or failing to wear seatbelts while driving.

The proposal was presented during a meeting of the Road Safety Council and forms part of a broader effort to reduce preventable road deaths linked to distracted or careless driving.

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Why the Changes Are Being Considered

The initiative follows concerning road safety statistics.Officials reported that 19 people died on South Cypriot roads last year due to inattentive driving, including incidents involving mobile phone use.

There were also recorded cases where individuals died in collisions specifically because they were not wearing seatbelts — in some instances where vehicle damage was relatively minor.

Authorities believe these figures justify expanding enforcement tools beyond traditional speed and red-light monitoring.

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How the System Would Work

Under plans from the South Cyprus Ministry of Transport:

·         Mobile cameras would operate in continuous traffic monitoring mode

·         Artificial intelligence systems would analyse driver behaviour

·         The system would detect:

o    Whether hands are on the steering wheel

o    Whether a seatbelt is fastened

·         If a potential offence is identified:

o    An image is captured

o    The image is verified

o    A fine may be issued if confirmed

Implementation would require parliamentary approval and amendments to existing enforcement legislation to formally include these violations.

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Further Review of Camera Operations

Alongside the proposal, a special committee will be established to review the performance of traffic camera enforcement over recent years.

The committee is expected to deliver recommendations for improvements by March.

South Cyprus Transport Minister Alexis Vafiadis emphasised the role of enforcement technology, stating that the photo-enforcement system remains a critical tool in tackling dangerous driver distraction and that continued fatalities caused by mobile phone use are unacceptable.

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What This Means for TRNC Residents and Visitors

While the proposal applies to the South Cyprus, it may be relevant for:

·         TRNC residents travelling south

·         Cross-border commuters

·         Visitors hiring vehicles on the island

If approved, enforcement would likely become more automated and less reliant on roadside policing, meaning violations could be detected without direct interaction with officers.

As road safety technology continues evolving across Europe, similar approaches are increasingly being adopted in multiple jurisdictions.

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South Cyprus Preparing AI Camera Enforcement for Phone and Seatbelt Offences - Final Thought

Regardless of enforcement method, the underlying message remains straightforward:keeping hands off phones and wearing seatbelts continues to be among the most effective ways to reduce injury and fatalities on the road.