Average Speed Monitoring to Be Introduced on Cyprus Motorways

Cyprus is preparing to introduce an average speed monitoring system on motorways, which will become one of the most significant steps in recent years in the fight against speeding and the growing number of road fatalities. The idea, which had been discussed at the state level for almost 15 years, is finally moving into practical implementation and will be introduced on key routes connecting the island’s cities.

How average speed cameras will work

The new system involves the installation of cameras at motorway entry and exit points. They will record the exact time when a vehicle enters a specific section of the road and when it leaves it. Based on this data, the average travel speed is automatically calculated. If a driver covers the distance faster than permitted under the allowed speed, a fine will be issued without the involvement of an inspector.

Head of the traffic police Haris Evripidis explained that the operating principle is fully transparent. For example, if the road between two cities at the permitted speed should take a certain amount of time, and the exit camera records an earlier arrival, the system treats this as a violation and initiates the penalty procedure.

Speed limits and permitted threshold

The official speed limit on Cyprus motorways is 100 km/h. At the same time, in practice the police have so far allowed a so-called “corridor” up to 120 km/h. This is the indicator that will be used when calculating the travel time of a road section. However, it is important to note that if a driver exceeds 120 km/h, the fine will be calculated based on the basic limit of 100 km/h, making the penalty more substantial.

Combating phone use and seat belts

The introduction of average speed cameras will be accompanied by other changes. In mobile cameras already operating on the roads, the software will be updated. This will allow automatic detection of drivers who use a mobile phone while driving or are not wearing a seat belt. According to the police, these two violations are directly linked to more than a third of all fatal road accidents in Cyprus each year, making them a priority target for enforcement.

Tightening measures against drunk driving

At the same time, authorities will strengthen penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Evripidis reported that in the case of repeated violations, driving licenses will be confiscated immediately. If a driver exceeds the permitted alcohol level twice within 12 months, their license will be taken away on the spot.

Currently, the permissible blood alcohol level is 21 mg. At a reading above 71 mg, the case is automatically referred to court. Even stricter rules apply to novice drivers: the limit is set at 9 mg, and any excess leads to court proceedings and suspension of the driving license.

Authorities’ expectations and current context

In recent years, Cyprus has faced a persistently high level of fatal road accidents, especially on high-speed routes. Authorities emphasize that the introduction of average speed cameras is not a one-time measure but part of a broader strategy to improve road safety and change driver behavior. The system is expected to be gradually introduced on the island’s main motorways after the completion of technical and legislative procedures.

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