in-cyprus 25 February 2020 -Edited by Bouli Hadjioannou
Parliament will next month approve tougher fines for traffic offences, but MPs have amended the initial government proposal, chipping away at some of the penalties in order to give drivers a second chance, Phileleftheros reports.
It said that the House Transport Committee is suggesting authorities come down hard on second offences committed within the same year.
Therefore, whereas the government had suggested raising fines from €85 to €300 for a number of traffic offences, MPs are suggesting instead a fine of €150, which would double to €300 for second offenders.
Police and the government having been pressing for stiffer penalties as essential to stemming the bloodshed on the roads. MPs have agreed in principle, but found some of the proposed increases in fines to be exorbitant.
The committee’s proposal is as follows:
- Use of mobile phone: The current fine is €85 and MPs are suggesting this rise to €150 and to €300 in the event of a second offence in the same year
- Failure to wear a seat belt. The current fine is €85 and MPs are suggesting this rise to €150 and to €300 in the event of a second offence in the same year
- Failure to wear a helmet. The current fine is €85 and MPs are suggesting this rise to €150 and to €300 in the event of a second offence in the same year
- Parking in a spot reserved for the disabled. The current fine is €85 and MPs are suggesting this rise to €300
- Parking on a double yellow line. The current fine is €85 and MPs are suggesting this rise to €100
The issue of speeding fines has not yet been resolved. MPs also appear not to have decided on a proposal that vehicles parked illegally on bends, double yellow lines or spots for the disabled be towed.
They are in agreement as regards tougher penalties for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol with a final decision expected to be taken soon so that the bill can go to plenary.
