CYPRUS: Crippling fines to go up 250% for road traffic offences

Motorists are to be handed crippling fines under a government bill that significantly increases penalties for traffic violations such as speeding and talking on mobiles, said Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou.

Nicolaou told CyBC TV on Friday, said that fines for offences such as the use of a mobile phone whilst driving, not wearing a crash helmet or a seatbelt, which are currently set at EUR 85 will rise to EUR 300.

According to the Minister, fines for speeding will also hurt the pocket with the police having the right to confiscate the vehicle of an offending driver, with the culprit also facing prison in some cases.

Speedsters will be fined five euros for every km above the limit and receive from 2 to 8 points on their driving license according to the percentage that they have exceeded the limit.

Current legislation sees fines of 1-3 euros for each km over the speed limit and 2 to 6 penalty points.

Those caught driving at high speeds could see their vehicle towed away and lose their license, said Nicolaou.

Penalties for red light violations will increase to EUR 200 from EUR 85, while penalty points from 2-4, to 3-6.

Those parking in spots reserved for people with disabilities will be fined EUR 150. The current fine is EUR 85.

The Minister also said that the government is promoting the creation of a training school for offenders which is expected to be set up in the first three months of 2019.

He said the courts will have the option to send offenders to training school, offering them the possibility to have their points wiped clean.

Police are determined to reduce the death toll on Cyprus’ roads with the number of fatalities so far this year at 43.