Cyprus parliament mandates warning beacons for mobile speed cameras

The Parliament of Cyprus has approved a legislative amendment, proposed by MP Stavros Papadouris of the Citizens' Alliance, requiring all mobile speed camera vehicles to display an activated warning beacon on their roofs while in operation. The law aims to improve road safety and increase the visibility of these units to passing drivers. Supporters of the bill argued that the move shifts the focus from revenue collection to encouraging better driving behavior, while critics claimed that current placement practices often hide vehicles to maximize fines. The Ministry of Justice and the Cyprus Police expressed concerns during committee discussions regarding the logistical challenges and additional costs, as this requirement was not part of the original contract with the service provider. The amendment will officially come into effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette to allow for the necessary implementation measures. Lawmakers emphasized that the primary goal is accident prevention rather than penalization.