Rising number of fatal traffic accidents probed

The rising number of traffic accident fatalities was the focus of the Road Safety Council that convened on Wednesday under Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades.

To date, 29 road deaths have been recorded this year, with most victims being pedestrians and motorcyclists.

The primary aim of the meeting was to assess the situation following an increase in fatal traffic accidents during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

A presentation of statistical data on fatal road accidents revealed that the main causes are speeding, mobile phone use and negligent driving.

A significant factor contributing to fatalities is the use of mobile phones while driving, with statistics showing that eight fatal accidents this year were caused by drivers who were also on their phones.

During the council, it also emerged that road users in Cyprus do not consistently adhere to the provisions of the Highway Code.

Vafeades stressed that the problem is particularly severe among vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, stressing the need for measures focused on these groups.

According to government data, pedestrians are often at fault due to carelessness, while motorcyclists are primarily endangered by other drivers attempting to turn right and cutting them off.

Among the measures to be enforced are increased policing and more systematic public awareness and education campaigns. Vafeades also announced the launch of an information campaign titled It’s That Simple, supported by EKO Cyprus.

In addition, the council decided to intensify the monitoring of heavy vehicles on roads and highways. As part of the effort, it was agreed that trucks should stay in one lane and avoid overtaking on the road from Parekklisia to the Limassol hospital exit.

Meanwhile, traffic police and the road transport department are also pushing for alternative ways to deliver fines to drivers who either refuse to accept them or cannot be located.

A growing number of drivers are evading these penalties, especially for violations caught on traffic cameras, leading to a backlog of unpaid fines.

To address the issue, according to daily Phileleftheros, the road transport department is planning to seek a legal opinion on whether courts can issue summonses to drivers who cannot be traced despite repeated attempts.

Under current law, an initial notice of the fine is sent by mail. If the driver does not respond, the private company managing the traffic camera system attempts to deliver the fine in person. If two attempts fail, police then step in. However, the current modus operandi has so far proven ineffective, with over 70,000 fines currently pending delivery.

The road transport department is expected to propose that court summonses be used to deliver fines to offending drivers.

Additionally, authorities are also expected to introduce a new system at airports and checkpoints, where drivers with outstanding fines will be flagged and served on the spot when they attempt to travel.