Money from traffic fines to go towards car racing track

 

PART of the money from fines that will be collected when traffic cameras are finally installed next year, will go to creating racing tracks for young drivers to let off steam, police said yesterday.

Demetris Demetriou, Head of the Traffic Department yesterday briefed the House

Communications Committee on progress in installing the cameras.

Tenders for the system, which will be up and running by mid 2011, were expected to open by the end of this month, he said.

He added that the government was in the process of preparing a bill that will allow 20 per cent of the income from fines imposed on those who break red lights and those who go over the line at traffic lights to go towards building the tracks.

He said the previous system had made the state €9.5 million in just nine months.

“As police, we are in favour of areas being designated for racing tracks, provided it is done within the correct and safe frameworks and conditions,” said Demetriou. “Today, our youths have turned main roads into racing tracks, resulting in them endangering themselves and the public.”

Creating proper racing tracks, he added, would people a place to go and let off steam, which would stopg them from using the main roads.

“The Labour Ministry has taken the responsibility of preparing a bill on the safety regulations, while the Communications Ministry will coordinate all the services, and we will bring the final draft to parliament,” said Demetriou.

 

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