A GOVERNMENT plan to introduce UK style speeding cameras throughout Cyprus’ road network could mean the end of the road for speed demons and drivers who dial, it emerged yesterday.
However, they need not rush to protest yet, since the €20 million project to install 304 cameras is not expected to be completed before 2015, and that is only if approved by the finance ministry and council of ministers.
The justice ministry said yesterday it would take five years to install the cameras, of which 277 will be fixed at traffic lights and on highways, and 27 mobile.
Of the mobile cameras, 16 would be car mounted, and 11 free standing. These would be able to identify drivers who are on their phones, not wearing seatbelts, jumping red lights and speeding.
According to these figures, each camera will cost an eye-watering €65,000 and take six days each to install.
However, with the revenue from penalties – which will not change – plus the economic benefits of reduced accidents and lost earnings from road deaths, the camera scheme could even turn a profit within a few years.
Stavros Michael, director of budgets and financial control at the finance ministry said yesterday that it had received the proposal from the justice ministry, which will be submitted to the council of ministers for approval following a cost-benefit analysis.
Michael said “We have received the proposal from the ministry of justice and will prepare our report over the next three weeks. We expect to complete the work in the first or second week in September.”
According to EMS costings, the introduction of the cameras – or in many cases re-activation of existing cameras – would cost around €20 million, but could potentially save much more.
However, it is not just about the savings. “The council of ministers will evaluate the proposal on two criteria; firstly the costs and benefits, and secondly other priorities. At the moment there are a number of other proposals under consideration.”
Michael added that while €20 million was not a large amount for a project, it is big according to the government’s available budget, and could be trumped by an equivalent investment in, for example, hospitals or healthcare that would reap greater rewards.
In 2009, there were 71 fatal road accidents in Cyprus – according to TISPOL – while the statistical service recorded 64 deaths, of which 24 were motorcyclists or pillion passengers.
