The government's planning for Operation Nestor, a new scheme designed to accelerate the reopening of roads after traffic collisions, is expected to be completed within the week, according to Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris.
Speaking to Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6 on the programme Proini Epitheorisi, Mr Fytiris said a simulation exercise testing the plan will take place during August.
Faster clearance of accident scenes
Under the Nestor plan, the state will coordinate the rapid removal of vehicles from the roadway following serious traffic accidents, eliminating delays caused by waiting for insurance companies to arrange recovery vehicles.
"In practical terms, this means the road will reopen as quickly as possible and authorities will not be waiting for insurance companies to decide which crane or recovery vehicle to send," Mr Fytiris said.
The initiative is intended to reduce lengthy traffic disruptions, particularly on Cyprus's motorways.
Use of drones and digital evidence
Before vehicles are removed, accident scenes will be fully documented through photographs and video recordings, including the use of drones where necessary.
According to the minister, this will ensure that all essential evidence is preserved for the investigation of the collision while allowing damaged vehicles to be cleared more quickly.
The scheme will also cover accidents involving heavy vehicles, with the state taking responsibility for securing the necessary cranes and specialist equipment to remove them from the road.
Insurers to bear the cost
Regarding funding, Mr Fytiris said the state will initially cover the cost of removing vehicles.
The government will then seek reimbursement from the relevant insurance companies using photographic evidence and other documentation collected at the scene of the accident.
Under the proposed arrangement, authorities will prioritise restoring traffic flow first and resolve cost recovery issues afterwards.
