No one doubts that Cyprus has its share of reckless drivers, nor that traffic cameras are in some sense a “necessary evil.” But the debate over their purpose, road safety versus revenue generation, remains alive.
Professor Loukas Demetriou, an expert in transportation and traffic infrastructure, told Politis that cameras are vital because they force drivers to behave better. He identified the three pillars of an effective traffic system as: education, infrastructure and enforcement.
The problem in Cyprus, he argued, is that authorities emphasize enforcement at the expense of the other two. This imbalance fuels frustration and resentment among drivers, who increasingly see cameras as an instrument of financial punishment rather than public safety.
The “Hide and Fine” Tactics
Police tactics have only deepened this perception. Van-mounted mobile cameras are now a daily reality on Cypriot roads, sometimes placed openly, other times hidden behind trees, bushes, or sharp bends. For many drivers, they have become an object of fear and avoidance.
By contrast, fixed cameras, whose locations are known, force drivers to slow down and arguably serve their intended purpose. The question remains: Do mobile and fixed cameras truly prevent accidents, or do they primarily serve as a tool for revenue collection?
The Numbers: €9.3 Million in Fines
According to official data submitted by police to parliament, revenue from the camera system reached €9,329,369 between January 1, 2022, and March 14, 2024. Most fines were for speeding, followed by red-light violations.
Several MPs on the House Transport Committee have criticized the system, claiming it operates “more as a tax-collection mechanism than as a deterrent.”
Trust Deficit with the Police
Whether or not the claim is fully justified, one thing is certain: this impression stems from a deep lack of trust in the Cypriot police. And without public trust, even legitimate enforcement measures risk being delegitimized.
The pressing question, then, is not only whether cameras save lives, but also: what must be done to rebuild the public’s trust in law enforcement?