in-cyprus 1 May 2025 - by Constantinos Tsindas
Authorities have begun filing cases against drivers for failing to settle their camera fines, as the deadline for voluntary payment of violations recorded by the by the photosystem expired at midnight and no further extension would be granted.
Since January 8th, 2025, when police announced that criminal prosecutions would commence against those who had not paid their fines, around 80,000 people have settled the amount. Over 100,000 fines though, stretching back to 2022 are still outstanding.
Police informed Filenews that following consultation with the Legal Service of the Republic it has started filing criminal cases in court, the first of which date back to three years ago.
Separate cases will open against individuals who avoided being served the fine, even though they had been located.
Registration of criminal proceedings with proceed gradually and will also involve those who actually received the fine but failed to do so. It is duly noted that if a case ends up in Court, the judge is not bound by the penalty initially stipulated, but the actual violation legislation, which calls for much higher penalties.
In the meanwhile, the process through the payment platform will continue to operate so that citizens who wish to establish whether they have an outstanding fine against them and pay it, can still do so, provided that criminal prosecution has not been initiated against them.
Adding to that, the possibility of implementing the “photoradar list” remains a possibility, despite reactions by MPs, with police seeking advice from the Legal Service on possible conflict with other legislation.
A bill is also pending in parliament that would oblige police to announce where cameras will be placed (not the exact locations but the roads) so that drivers know in advance where mobile unit vans are positioned.
Also along the parliamentary waiting list, is the implementation of legislation regarding the relocation of traffic lights for the determination of tiered fines from cameras.
Furthermore, a hearing process is on-going at the Supreme Court where President Christodoulides referred a bill mandating a timer at fixed camera locations.
