Cyprus Police will begin testing artificial intelligence cameras designed to identify motorists using mobile phones while driving, with the first pilot installation planned for Griva Digeni Avenue in Nicosia.
The system will initially operate on a trial basis to assess its effectiveness. No fines will be issued during the first stage of the pilot.
How the AI camera system will work
Speaking on Alpha Enimerosi, Director of the Police Traffic Department at Police Headquarters Charis Evripidou said the technology would be able to detect whether a driver was holding a mobile phone while behind the wheel.
Any image flagged by the system will undergo two stages of review. It will first be examined by a supervisor from the operating company and then referred to a police officer, who will make the final decision on whether an offence has been committed.
Evripidou said the camera would not simply record everything taking place inside a vehicle.
Its purpose will be limited to identifying mobile phone use and related driver distraction, with specific guidelines determining what qualifies as an offence.
€300 fine and three penalty points
Under the proposed framework, using a mobile phone while driving would carry a €300 fine and three penalty points.
However, the relevant legislation must first be amended before penalties can be issued through the new system.
Evripidou said the required legislative change was not considered extensive, but remained necessary for the procedure to be introduced officially.
Cameras to focus on mobile phone use
Addressing privacy concerns, Evripidou said the cameras would not be used to record unrelated movements or personal moments inside vehicles.
The system will be restricted to identifying the specific offence of mobile phone use while driving, while personal data safeguards will be covered through the relevant agreements and procedures.
Actions such as holding a bottle of water or a cup of coffee will not be targeted by the measure. According to Evripidou, the focus will be on prolonged distraction caused by the use of mobile devices.
Average-speed cameras also under consideration
Police are also examining the pilot introduction of average-speed monitoring systems on motorways.
The system would use two cameras positioned at the beginning and end of a designated section of road. It would calculate the time taken by a vehicle to travel between the two points and determine whether the average speed exceeded the permitted limit.
