MPs are questioning the legality of being served traffic camera fines at airports following a statement from the transport ministry regarding the operational structure of traffic cameras across Cyprus.
During a session of the House finance committee, it was revealed that the company managing these traffic cameras is compensated at a fixed rate, irrespective of the number of traffic violations recorded. This information came to light as the transport ministry sought an additional €3.9 million for the current year to continue funding the camera operations.
The funding request includes provisions for the ‘Photo Radar List’ application, which is designed to identify individuals with outstanding traffic fines at airports, harbours, and crossing points. Notably, this application is also managed by the same company responsible for the traffic cameras.
MPs expressed concern over the implications of using the app for identifying and stopping passengers. According to them, this issue had previously been addressed by the House legal affairs committee, which clearly indicated that such practices are unlawful. They argued that stopping individuals at airports without a court-issued warrant constitutes a serious violation of their rights.
Akel MP Aristos Damianou voiced strong criticism, suggesting that the government is attempting to bypass legal protocols by bringing this system “in through the back door.” He speculated that the app might already be in use, despite parliament not having approved the necessary funding.
Damianou stated, “Naturally the state should enforce the law, but the state must not act like a mafia that deceives people.” His remarks underscored the potential overreach of the government in enforcing traffic violations without proper legal backing.
In parliament, government officials struggled to provide convincing explanations regarding the funding and operational legitimacy of the traffic camera system. MPs plan to summon the transport minister and relevant officials next week for further scrutiny.
When contacted by the Cyprus Mail, Damianou reiterated that parliament would not approve the additional €3.9 million, particularly for the ‘Photo Radar List’. He and other parliamentarians expressed skepticism regarding the need for further funding when the payment structure is reportedly fixed.
On the same day, the transport ministry issued a statement attempting to clarify its position. It asserted that the software used to issue fines at airports, harbours, and other locations is lawful and aligns with the existing legislation of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the ministry added that the implementation of serving fines at these locations would not occur “at this stage.”
Damianou responded to the ministry’s statement, interpreting it as an indirect admission of the system’s illegality. He remarked, “They insist it’s lawful, but then they also say they won’t implement it for now – whatever. Anyway, let them try to implement it in the future. Even the attorney-general says there’s no legal basis for it.”
In terms of the financial arrangement between the government and the traffic camera operator, the transport ministry clarified that the company does not receive any commission related to traffic violations or the collection of fines. Instead, payments are strictly based on the operational hours of both fixed and mobile cameras, calculated at an agreed hourly rate. Fixed cameras are operational 24/7, while mobile cameras are deployed according to a schedule set by the police.
