CYPRUS: Traffic police seek severe fines for not wearing a seatbelt

Concerned over data showing that two out of three people killed in road accidents were not wearing their seatbelt, Cyprus police are looking at ways to ensure drivers buckle-up such as eye-watering fines.

Parliament is looking at a series of measures, including the increase in cash fines – for not wearing a seatbelt – from EUR 85 to EUR 300.

It will come as no surprise if the police demand that MPs make the fine more prohibitive.

According to data analysis of fatal accidents, there are cases where the damage to the vehicle amounts to just EUR 300 to EUR 500, but the driver lost his life as a result of not wearing his belt.

Police spokesman Andreas Angelides told Phileleftheros daily that in 2018 there were 44 road accidents with 49 fatalities, while in 2017 there were 49 accidents resulting in 53 deaths.

Angelides added that three instructor positions are shortly to be declared for the School of Driving for traffic offenders, which is to be set up after the relative legislation was approved last year by the Parliament.

Drivers committing serious traffic violations will be sent to the school to attend special courses instead of being fined.