Nicosia, Cyprus. Draft legislation proposing a zero-alcohol limit for young drivers, learner drivers and individuals driving without a licence was discussed at the House transport committee on Thursday. The legislation is expected to be submitted to Parliament within the next two weeks.
Legislation and committee discussion
Transport committee chairman and Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonidis said the proposed legislation would have significant impact and was directly relevant to young people and serious road accidents resulting in fatalities.
Traffic cameras and planned software update
Disy MP Nikos Georgiou described traffic cameras as preventive rather than punitive and noted that they are set to receive a major software update costing €1,153,000 on March 1. He appealed to the traffic police to focus on cultivating awareness among the population instead of imposing numerous fines, and said hidden traffic cameras could risk undermining efforts to prevent road collisions and could affect public trust in the state.
Concerns over drink-driving and arrests
Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides focused on preventing fatal accidents linked to drink-driving. He said that 15,000 drivers had been arrested in the last five years and questioned how many others remained undetected, mostly young people, adding that combining alcohol with drugs increases danger.
Meeting with Transport Minister and additional road safety measures
Tryfonidis said a meeting with Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades has been scheduled for February 19 to discuss major road and development projects, port and infrastructure issues, registration procedures for used vehicles, and Takata airbags.
The committee meeting followed Vafeades’ announcement earlier on Thursday of plans for legislative changes to improve road safety, including mandatory use of reflective markings on helmets and protective gear. Vafeades said there were 17 motorcyclist deaths and nine pedestrian deaths last year, and that police recommendations, a competent committee and an action plan would be announced separately.
What changes do you think would most improve road safety for young drivers?