Cyprus announces pilot scheme for AI traffic cameras to detect mobile phone use

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced a government plan to introduce artificial intelligence-powered cameras in Cyprus to detect motorists using mobile phones while driving. The initiative will begin with a pilot scheme at a fixed location to assess the technology's accuracy before any potential legislative changes or wider implementation occur. The minister emphasized that current enforcement relies on police reviewing findings flagged by the AI system rather than immediate automated penalties. Additionally, mobile camera vans will be redeployed from motorways to urban centers, where statistics indicate higher rates of fatal and serious traffic accidents. The government is also considering a system on motorways to calculate average speed. These measures are part of a broader strategy to combat distracted driving, which authorities identify as a leading cause of road fatalities. Any legal changes regarding the AI implementation will require approval from the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the current photo enforcement contract remains active until September 11, 2027, with an optional two-year extension.