The DISY opposition party has achieved the necessary parliamentary majority to pass a new bill aimed at extending the deadline for paying fines.

The bill, designed to ease the financial burden on citizens, was approved by the Transport Committee on Tuesday and will be discussed at the plenum of the Chamber on February 13.

Currently, people have only 15 days to pay fines for traffic violations, after which a penalty fee is added. According to the new legislation, this payment period will be extended to 90 days, and the grace period will begin from the date of the fine, and not from the date of its official delivery.

The bill also provides for an increase in fines for late payment. If the fine is not paid within 90 days, it will increase by 50% of the original amount.

In addition, the new legislation provides for the possibility of prosecution of those who do not pay within 105 days.

Supporters of the bill, including DISY lawmakers Fotini Tsiridou and Onoufrios Kullas, argue that the extended deadlines reflect current economic conditions and the need for more reasonable payment plans.

They also noted that the current 15-day limit, which entails a sharp increase in fines, is unfair and burdensome for many, especially for those who receive monthly wages or benefits.

In addition, two more bills from the Akel and Elam parties will be considered in February. These proposals involve the installation of countdown timers at traffic lights monitored by cameras. Timers will show how much time drivers have left to either continue straight ahead or turn right before the light turns yellow and then red.

If Akel’s bill is passed, the government will have three months to install countdown timers at traffic lights. However, if this requirement is not met, the penalty for failure to comply with traffic light requirements will be suspended.

The Ministry of Transport expressed concern about the proposal, noting that it could interfere with the operation of intelligent traffic lights that adjust traffic signals according to real-time traffic conditions. The Government plans to install such systems at 75 camera-controlled intersections in Nicosia and 50 in Limassol.

https://russiancyprus.news/news/society/bill-to-ease-fine-payments-and-introduce-traffic-timers/