Cyprus introduces average speed control on highways

There are plans to introduce an average speed control system on the motorways of Cyprus, a measure that has been discussed for almost 15 years. According to Phileleftheros, the authorities expect that the new cameras will help reduce the number of speeding and stop the increase in deaths on the roads.

How the system will work

We are talking about installing cameras at the entrances and exits from highways connecting the island’s cities. The system will record the time it takes for a car to pass a certain section of road and calculate the average speed.

The director of the traffic police, Haris Euripidou, explained that the mechanism is extremely simple: the camera records the exact time of entry and exit of a vehicle from a specific stretch of road.

“If, for example, the road to the next city should take a certain amount of time at the permitted speed, and the exit camera records an earlier arrival, the driver will be automatically fined,” he said.

What speed is considered a violation?

The official speed limit on highways in Cyprus is 100 km/h. At the same time, in practice, the police allow the so—called “tolerance window” – up to 120 km/h.

It is this threshold — 120 km/h — that will be used when calculating travel time. However, fines will be charged based on the base limit of 100 km/h for those who exceed the permissible limit.

Cameras versus phones and belts

The introduction of average speed control is part of a broader reform in the field of road safety. Mobile cameras are already being updated with new software that will allow you to record the use of a mobile phone while driving and the absence of a seat belt.

According to police, these two violations are responsible for more than a third of all fatal accidents in Cyprus during the year.

Tougher on repeat offenders and alcohol

The changes will also affect the fight against drunk driving. Haris Euripides informed that for repeat violators, the immediate deprivation of a driver’s license is being introduced.

If a driver is caught exceeding the legal alcohol limit twice within 12 months, his driver’s license will be withdrawn on the spot.

At the moment, the permissible alcohol level is 21 micrograms. Values above 71 micrograms are automatically sent to court. For novice drivers, the limit is significantly lower — 9 micrograms, and any excess leads to legal proceedings and suspension of rights.

What are the current cameras and fines in Cyprus?

Cyprus already has a well-developed system for automatic recording of traffic violations: these are fixed stationary cameras and mobile complexes located throughout the country, including motorways, city streets and intersections.

Cameras record not only speed, but also other violations: running a red light is accompanied by a fine of up to €300 and three demerit points, and for speeding, the penalty is set according to the amount of excess — for example, fines increase in proportion to kilometers over the limit and may be accompanied by points.

You can check for fines issued by Cyprus traffic cameras through the official state portal.

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