Nicosia, Cyprus. The government is considering the use of artificial intelligence traffic cameras to crack down on motorists using mobile phones while driving, MPs heard on Thursday. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades presented the plans at the first session of the House transport committee after the parliamentary elections.
Road safety measures
Vafeades said road safety remains a top priority for the government. He told MPs that the use of mobile phones by drivers has been identified as a main cause of serious traffic accidents.
He said drivers are often seen handling their phones for extended periods while on the road and that the government is moving ahead with AI cameras that will detect anyone holding a mobile phone.
Monitoring speeding violations
On mobile vans equipped with cameras to monitor speeding and other infractions, Vafeades said the intention is to bring them into cities, where the majority of deadly road accidents occur.
For highways, he said the government is considering a system that would track a vehicle’s average speed during commutes.
Traffic congestion concerns
MPs also raised the issue of traffic congestion, with Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros describing it as a problem that is worsening each year.
In response, Vafeades acknowledged the issue and said that in Limassol alone about 12,000 new vehicles enter circulation each year.