Filenews 12 April 2024
A distortion that existed in traffic lights began to be corrected, especially in those where there are installed cameras of the Traffic Police, resulting in drivers complaining that they are trapped and eventually get an extrajudicial €300.
A few days ago, changes began to be implemented at light-controlled intersections, where the green arc now lights up at the same time as the green for a straight transition. Until now the bow was on while the lights were red. Now it will be parallel so as not to confuse the driver about when to stop.
Information tells us that the Department of Public Works, following instructions from the Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeadis, has already begun to make changes at some light crossings and will proceed to others where appropriate. This change, as it was found and through complaints of many citizens, caused confusion to drivers, who while entering the controlled block did not proceed for fear of turning red and being denounced by the cameras. It is noted that the system is configured in such a way that once the green arrow goes out, it gives drivers three seconds to correct any mistake and pass, before turning red.
At the same time, as has been clarified by the Traffic Police and the Minister of Transport himself, in case a driver passes with green with the intention of turning right and cannot finally leave the intersection, then he does not get a fine. To implement this change to traffic lights, it is first checked whether the interchange will be able to handle at least the same number of vehicles as before.
At the same time, the Ministry of Transport is pushing for other changes to the photo-tagging system to make it easier for drivers to stop complaints that it is a tax collection tool rather than a way to reduce road accidents and fatal collisions.
Specifically, a decision has been made and a light will be placed before each traffic light in which there is and operates nearby, which will warn drivers that the green will go out. The warning will be made when the light starts to flicker.
A media campaign will also be launched on how a driver should move around in camera-controlled traffic lights to familiarise themselves with the system and not be reported. Finally, a bill is expected to reduce the extrajudicial fee by 50% when an offender pays it within 15 days of receipt.
