The authorities of Cyprus are launching a new road traffic monitoring technology aimed at combating the use of mobile phones while driving. The decision was made against the backdrop of alarming statistics: last year, 19 people died as a result of accidents caused by driver inattention and distraction by smartphones. At the same time, existing monitoring mechanisms did not allow for effective detection and punishment of such violations.
Why phone use has become a key problem
The Minister of Transport of Cyprus, Alexis Vafeadis, speaking at a meeting of the Road Safety Council, stated that identifying drivers using mobile phones remains a serious gap in the monitoring system. According to police data, distraction was the decisive factor in most fatal road accidents last year. The head of the transport department emphasized that the state can no longer tolerate the loss of lives due to drivers’ habit of holding a phone in their hands, and called photo enforcement using artificial intelligence the only real tool to solve the problem.
How artificial intelligence cameras will work
The Ministry of Transport proposed introducing legislative amendments to expand the functionality of mobile cameras operating on highways and in cities. Unlike the current system, which mainly records speeding, the new model will carry out continuous monitoring of the traffic situation. Artificial intelligence algorithms will be able to automatically determine whether the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel and whether the seat belt is fastened. If a violation is detected, the camera will take a photo of the driver, which will then be processed according to standard procedure.
If the violation is confirmed, a fine will be issued in the same way as for other automated violations. To launch the system, new categories of offenses must be officially integrated into the software and approved by Parliament.
Seat belts — another risk factor
In addition to mobile phones, authorities are also paying attention to the low discipline of seat belt use. Last year, there were cases when drivers and passengers died in accidents despite the vehicle interior being almost undamaged. The cause of the tragedies was the absence of seat belts, which once again highlights the need for stricter and more technological monitoring.
The Minister of Transport separately noted that the new system will focus exclusively on the two most dangerous violations — using a phone while driving and not wearing seat belts. Expanding it to other types of violations is not planned for now.
Evaluation of effectiveness and further steps
To analyze the operation of AI photo enforcement, a special committee will be created. It will study accumulated data, practical experience of system operation, and prepare recommendations for its improvement. The first conclusions are expected as early as March, and a full evaluation of effectiveness is planned after two to three years of system operation. Based on the results of the analysis, authorities intend to make adjustments and adopt additional measures if necessary.
The implementation of AI cameras is becoming part of a broader strategy by Cyprus to reduce road fatalities and modernize transport infrastructure. The use of modern technologies should not only increase the inevitability of punishment but also change driving culture, making smartphone use while driving a socially unacceptable and dangerous behavior.
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