Revenue losses, but mainly negative effects on the image of Cyprus, cause the serious problem with unpaid out-of-court foreign tourists visiting the island. At the same time, many cases for which criminal files are filed are not brought before the court as the indictment is not served.
The Member of Parliament for DISY Famagusta, George Karoullas, notes that, "non-payment of out-of-court fines and impunity create a negative environment, reducing the quality of our tourist product." In addition, the Member of Parliament stated that following the example of other European countries, immediate measures should be taken to address the problem. The main focus should be on the use of technology.
In this direction, Mr. Karoullas in collaboration with the also DISY MP of Famagusta, George Georgiou, are proceeding with the procedures for the preparation and submission of a relevant draft law. The proposal that will occupy the Legal and Transportation committees of the Parliament, provides for the creation of a computerized system, where the rental companies will have to register the data of the foreigners to whom they rent vehicles.
In this way, it will be easier to locate them and simplify the procedures for enforcing the law. Also, by law, contracts must be signed and a credit card used, from which extrajudicial fines will be deducted when they are not paid within the predetermined period.
In addition to enacting new legislation, it will also need to be amended on out-of-court law.