The photo-marking system will be put into operation today, on a pilot basis, with which cameras will record traffic violations and fines will be imposed, in order to reduce road collisions.
The relevant legislation was approved last Thursday by the Plenary Session of the Parliament, after the signing of the contract with the contractor of the project.
The contract that has been signed concerns the Design, Installation, Operation and Maintenance of the Photo Labeling System and includes ninety fixed cameras in thirty locations throughout Cyprus to cover black spots on the road network. Also included are twenty mobile cameras for the control of traffic violations, for which the Police will determine the location and operating hours on a daily basis.
The cameras will detect speed limit, red light and stop line violations. By detecting and recording the above, the following obvious offenses can be additionally identified: use of a mobile phone while driving, non-use of the seat belt by drivers and non-use of a protective helmet by motorcyclists. The offenders will receive the extrajudicial fine with a registered letter and a specific code with which they will have access to a photo that will depict the illegality they committed.
The project will be implemented in three phases, as follows: Pilot phase, which includes the installation and operation of four (4) mobile cameras and operation of four fixed cameras. This phase includes all the necessary equipment for the operation of the infringement treatment center. First phase, which will include the installation and operation of another 16 mobile camera units and another 20 fixed ones. Second phase, which will include the installation of the remaining 66 fixed cameras.
From today, the test operation of the system for a period of up to three months begins.
The installation work for the First and Second Phase where all the cameras will be delivered and installed is expected to be completed in July 2022 and June 2023 respectively. According to the contract, the contractor will maintain and operate the system under the supervision of the Police for five years.
It is noted that during the first 30 days of operation of the system will not be issued out of court but warning letters will be sent to violators.
The cost of installing the system amounts to 8 million euros and the operating cost for five years is estimated at 35 million euros.