Rental vehicle traffic fines and estimated penalties exceed €7.4 million in Cyprus

Nicosia, Cyprus. Traffic fines and estimated penalties involving rental vehicles have exceeded €7.4 million under Cyprus’ camera enforcement scheme, Transport Minister Evanthia Tsolaki said on Friday. She said payments had been made for only 3,428 fines.

Driver identification and payments

In her response to Disy MP Prodromos Alambritis, Tsolaki reported that drivers had been identified in 8,501 cases. Another 15,118 cases had no identified driver, while identification had proved impossible in a further 41,114 cases.

The minister said police alone could supply accurate totals for money collected, because the camera system did not store payment information.

Violations by district

According to the figures, Limassol had the highest proportion of violations, accounting for 33 per cent. Paphos represented 24 per cent, Larnaca 22 per cent, Nicosia 17 per cent and Famagusta 4 per cent.

Proposed changes to legislation

Proposed legislative amendments would permit electronic delivery of traffic fines by text message or email, provided data protection requirements were met.

The proposals would also oblige rental companies to give police their customers’ details to assist with identifying drivers responsible for traffic offences.