Cyprus transport ministry announces new road safety measures including AI cameras

On June 25, Cyprus Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades presented new initiatives to the parliamentary transport committee aimed at improving road safety. A primary measure involves the deployment of AI-powered cameras, with the first pilot unit to be installed in the Nicosia region to detect drivers using mobile phones. Currently, the existing network of 90 static cameras only monitors speeding, red-light running, and white-line violations, with phone use detection requiring manual operator review. Additionally, the government plans to implement average speed measurement systems on highways by tracking vehicle travel times between entry and exit points. MP Charalambos Pazaros of the DISY party questioned the effectiveness of average speed monitoring, suggesting that drivers could offset high speeds by making stops. Further measures include moving mobile camera units into urban centers and launching 60 separate projects to alleviate traffic congestion. Authorities have pledged to publicly announce the exact locations of the new AI cameras before they become operational.