Cyprus parliament mandates warning lights for mobile speed camera vehicles

The House of Representatives of Cyprus approved a bill requiring vehicles carrying mobile speed cameras to display an active warning light on their roof during speed checks. The legislation was proposed by MP Stavros Papadouris from the Movement of Ecologists–Citizen Cooperation with the stated goal of improving road safety and discouraging speeding rather than revenue collection. A separate amendment by MP Andreas Themistokleous mandates that these camera vans must be parked at least 300 meters from speed signs on highways and 100 meters on other roads. Lawmakers from various parties supported the measure, citing a need to address past criticisms regarding the visibility of these vehicles. Currently, twenty vehicles operate across the Republic. The Ministry of Justice and the Police previously raised concerns regarding contractual obligations with the service provider and potential additional costs, estimated by Papadouris at approximately 1,000 euros. The new law will take effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic. This legislative move follows public debate over the perceived misuse of surveillance equipment.