Traffic cameras are a means to an end

Sir,
I read with interest your undoubtedly sarcastic news item on the “unexpectedly high number of people snapped by traffic cameras”, and the resultant problem for the police.
On a recent visit to Cyprus, I commented to our hosts that, upon activation of the cameras, the authorities would not be able to cope with the number of traffic violations, given the blatant disregard of most Cypriot drivers for any and all traffic rules. At any given time, drivers can be observed ignoring red lights, talking on mobile phones, speeding, turning in front of oncoming traffic, riding motor cycles/mopeds without helmets and so on. What was also apparent was the complete absence of police enforcement of even the most blatant traffic rule infringement. It is one thing to motor around with flashing lights, it is another thing entirely, to do so with purpose.
The introduction of speed cameras is a good thing. We have had them in Australia for many years, but they need to be seen as a means to an end, not an end in themselves. If any impact is to made on the level of road deaths in Cyprus, then what is needed is a rigorous, pro-active and ongoing campaign by the police to enforce the road laws through the imposition of “on the spot” fines, licence cancellation, and where necessary, prosecution through the courts. This is a proven method of focussing the mind of motorists on their responsibilities as drivers and citizens.
Tom Pennell, Australia

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.