New generation traffic cameras are coming into play: They will be able to check not only speed but also documents!

[laptawrinkly]

Saw these weird looking add-ons to various speed cameras a few days ago.

New generation traffic cameras are coming into play: They will be able to check not only speed but also documents!

Publication Date: 07/08/25 10:55 https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRI ... apabilecek

The next-generation, AI-powered traffic cameras, which have been installed nationwide, are expected to become operational in mid-August. The system will instantly detect speed violations, as well as numerous other violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, cell phone use, red light violations, and missing documents, contributing to urban safety.

A new era is beginning in traffic enforcement in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Next-generation, artificial intelligence-powered traffic cameras are expected to be operational nationwide in mid-August.

The cameras, now installed and currently in the testing phase, will be able to instantly detect not only speed violations but also numerous traffic violations, including not wearing a seatbelt, smoking while driving, cell phone use, red light violations, entering restricted lanes, turning without signaling, and improper passing. The new-generation cameras will also allow for rapid legal action by identifying vehicles using license plate recognition on routes without MOBESE (Mobile Security System) systems.

Thanks to its license plate recognition feature, the system will also be able to identify missing documents such as navigation, inspection and insurance and impose penalties.

Speaking to the Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK) about the system’s operation, technical infrastructure, and objectives, Traffic Department Director Ahmet Aydın emphasized that the ultimate goal of the system is not to punish, but to minimize traffic accidents, loss of life, injuries, and material damage.

"150 CAMERAS WERE GRANTED AS PART OF THE PROJECT"

Stating that the new system was brought to the country within the scope of the Economic and Financial Cooperation Protocol signed between the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC in 2023, Aydın said that a total of 150 cameras, 130 fixed and 20 mobile, were donated within the scope of the project.

Aydın noted that mobile cameras would be provided for the use of the General Directorate of Police and that these devices could be used both on vehicles and portablely on tripods.

Ahmet Aydın stated that there will be warning signs on both fixed and mobile cameras, as before.

"NEW-GENERATION CAMERAS WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO CITY SECURITY"

Emphasizing that the system will also contribute to urban security, Aydın said that thanks to the license plate recognition system, the routes vehicles take in judicial cases can be determined.

Aydın noted that this will make it easier to track suspicious vehicles and enable security units to intervene in incidents in a timely manner.

"THE SYSTEM IS TARGETED TO BE FULLY STARTED IN MID-AUGUST"

Aydın noted that their goal is to fully commission the system in mid-August, adding that the physical installation of the cameras has been completed, the system is currently in the testing phase, and trials regarding data flow are ongoing.

"DATA WILL NOW BE TRANSFERRED INSTANTLY WITH SIM CARDS"

Aydın stated that the new system will also significantly simplify data transfer, saying, "Previously, data was transferred weekly via portable hard drives. Now, it will be transmitted instantly to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation and the General Directorate of Police systems via SIM cards. This will allow for much faster penalties for violations."

"IN THE FIRST STAGE, INFORMATION MESSAGES WILL BE SENT VIA PHONE PHONES"

Aydın stated that an information message will be sent to vehicle owners after a violation is detected, and emphasized that these messages will not serve as legal notices but will be for informational purposes only.

Aydın stated that the notification process will be carried out within the framework of separate procedures.

"RENTAL VEHICLES AND VEHICLES FROM THE SOUTH WILL ALSO BE TRACKED IN THE SYSTEM"

Aydın emphasized that rental car users and vehicles arriving from Southern Cyprus will also be monitored by the system, saying, “Violation information regarding vehicles arriving from the south will be instantly transmitted to border crossings. Necessary procedures will be carried out as the vehicle exits. The system will also work integrated to identify rental car drivers and issue penalties.”

"THE NEW CAMERAS WILL NOT ONLY CHECK SPEED, BUT ALSO CAN CHECK DOCUMENTS"

Aydın stated that the new cameras will be able to inspect not only speed but also for missing documents, saying:

"Thanks to the license plate recognition system, any deficiencies in documents such as navigation, inspection, and insurance will be detected by the system and converted into fines. Citizens will now be subject to radar inspections even on routes without police control."

"VIOLATIONS SUCH AS CIGARETTE, BELT, AND CELL PHONE VIOLATIONS WILL BE DETECTED INSTANTLY"

Stating that behavior inside the vehicle can be monitored by the system, Aydın said, “Rule violations such as not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone while driving, or smoking will be automatically detected in real time.”

"THE CAMERAS MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS; ALL PRECAUTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FOR DATA SECURITY"

Responding to questions about the reliability and data security of the devices, Aydın stated that all of the cameras have documentation that complies with international standards and that the same systems are actively used in Türkiye.

Aydın also provided information about measures to protect personal data, saying, "The system is protected by strong firewalls on both the Ministry and General Directorate of Police servers. It is absolutely impossible for data to leak outside."

Stating that the collected data could be shared with the public in the future, Aydın said, “There is no obstacle to this; it is possible to disclose the data to the public at regular intervals.”

"NEW CAMERAS CAN BE EASILY INTEGRATED INTO DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS"

Aydın also stated that the new camera system can be easily integrated into different applications in line with the requirements of the age, and that notifications will also be made through this system after the e-Government application is implemented, and that work in this direction is ongoing.

[laptawrinkly]

Thought that was that ! No this is Cyprus!

https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRI ... ye-giriyor Publication Date: 07/08/25 11:01

AI-powered cameras are being deployed "in violation of legislation"

Days before the 150 AI-powered cameras, both fixed and mobile, are set to go into operation, it has been announced that the system will be implemented without being submitted to the Traffic and Transportation Services Commission. It is also noted that the current path is proceeding outside the legal framework.

A total of 150 AI-powered cameras, 130 fixed and 20 mobile, are being deployed. Statements regarding the system's legal and technical infrastructure have raised serious questions.

The system, scheduled to go into operation on August 15-16 and reportedly boasting more sensitive measurement capabilities than existing cameras, was reportedly installed without approval from the Traffic and Transportation Services Commission. The Traffic Accident Prevention Association and the Chamber of Engineers warned the government that the process was being carried out in violation of both legislation and engineering principles.

MEHMET ZEKİ AVCI: CAMERAS ARE BEING INSTALLED IN CONTRARY TO THE LEGISLATION WITHOUT SUBMITTING THEM TO THE COMMISSION!

Mehmet Zeki Avcı, President of the Traffic Accident Prevention Association, made a special statement to Kıbrıs Postası regarding the issue , stating that the installation of new AI-supported traffic cameras had begun before they were even brought to the agenda of the Traffic and Transportation Services Commission.

Avcı, reminding that according to legislation, all traffic-related decisions must go through this commission, emphasized that the commission includes not only government representatives but also all stakeholders involved in traffic safety, from chambers of engineers to lawyers, from police officers to ministry officials.

Avcı, who stated that despite being on the commission, they were forced to learn about developments regarding radars from newspapers, said, "This situation is incompatible with the seriousness of the state." Avcı, who stated that they were not yet informed about the cameras' technical specifications, announced that they would issue an official statement on the matter in the coming days.

"REGULATIONS REGARDING NEW CAMERAS ARE PROCEEDING WITHOUT EXERCISING THE LEGAL PROCESS "

Minister of Public Works and TransportAvcı also criticized Erhan Arıklı 's statement that penalties for drivers who smoke while driving would be reevaluated, noting that five of the last 13 fires were caused by cigarettes and calling this approach "unserious." Emphasizing that smoking while driving poses not only an individual but also a public risk, Avcı stated that this issue could not be discussed in the commission because the commission had not convened, and the installation of cameras had begun without due process. He also emphasized that the locations where such systems would be installed should also be presented to the commission.

CHAMBERS OF MECHANICAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERS: THE PROCESS IS CONTRARY TO ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES, SCIENCE AND THE PUBLIC BENEFIT!

On the other hand, the Chamber of Mechanical Engineers and the Chamber of Civil Engineers, affiliated with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB), issued a joint statement regarding the new AI-supported traffic cameras , arguing that the practice was contrary to engineering discipline and the principle of public interest.

In a joint press release issued by the Chambers of Mechanical and Civil Engineers, the following statements were made in line with statements by Avcı, President of the Traffic Accident Prevention Association, that the new camera systems were installed without being submitted to the Traffic and Transportation Services Commission:

"Statements that existing systems are "obsolete" can only be verified with detailed technical reports and calibration/update analyses. Without this, dismantling operational systems is against engineering ethics and creates a public nuisance.

"THERE ARE TECHNICAL ERRORS IN THE POSITIONING OF THE NEW SYSTEM; IT CARRIES BOTH LEGAL AND SECURITY RISKS."

Technical errors are observed in the positioning and measurement distances of new systems. Speed measurements must be made at the shortest possible distances and at accurate, fixed angles. Otherwise, both the legal validity of the system and its contribution to traffic safety become questionable. All technological investments must be documented and disclosed to the public, including needs assessments, engineering reports, and installation, operation, and maintenance protocols.
"THESE UNSCIENTIFIC PRACTICES MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY; OTHERWISE, WE WILL FIGHT USING ALL OUR LEGAL APPROACHES."

At the end of the statement, the Chamber of Engineers issued a clear warning to the government, stating, "Practices that lead to the waste of public resources and are contrary to engineering science must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, we will fight using all our legal rights."

The new camera system, launched with the aim of technological transformation for traffic safety, has been overshadowed by allegations of irregularities and criticisms of technical inadequacy in its implementation by stakeholders in the field. The primary criticism shared by both the Traffic Accident Prevention Association and the chambers of engineers is the lack of transparency in decision-making processes and the disabling of scientific oversight mechanisms.

As the date for the cameras to become operational approaches, the public expects the system to be audited transparently, technical reports to be shared, and steps that could cause public harm to be stopped immediately.

[waddo]

It would be helpful if the speed restriction/derestriction signs were not only visible and readable but also upgraded to a constant! Speed restriction areas are required to have regular repeaters in place and not just rely on local knowledge! I would love to know what the speed limit is on the road outside my house, it appears to be anything from 30kph (on a quiet Sunday) up to 100 kph during the week!

[benjaminbutton]

I've had the need to go to Lefkosa on a number of occasions lately and the speed on the Lefkosa straight is frightening. Hotel Mercs nose to tail being the worst offenders, together with Government number plates I've also been hooted at for not moving when red lights are against me but no-one crossing on the main road in Alsancak. White van man gets very irritable.

[waddo]

Remember that the use of the car horn is just to tell you or you to tell someone that there is somebody there - it is not to tell you anything else - so if people HOOT at you and in particular at red traffic lights they are only saying "I Am Here" and to ME that means that this is where they will stay until I consider it is safe to move on. The only exception to this is if it is a Fire/Police/Ambulance and in that case I will get out of the way as soon as it is SAFE to do so. Do not panic! Do not ever speed up to get out of normal traffic unless you are in danger. Speed kills and it kills fast so drive within your limits and not somebody else's limits! Think and look ahead, watch the wheels of other vehicles, beware of those that wander around and when you overtake - do it with purpose and don't dawdle when you have passed - don't "cut it" suddenly, use your mirrors all the time and keep within your acceleration limitations!! Not trying to teach anyone to suck eggs, just trying to keep people alive. Little things help you, like if you never get closer to the car in front that you can not see the rear wheels of the car in front, you will always be able to pull out around them - not advisable to do this at speed as you will be far too close to react to heavy braking from the car in front, but in normal city driving it can help you lots. There are lots of things experienced drivers do without even thinking about it, post on here if you have driving tips and help keep us all alive and safe on the roads!!!!!

[EnjoyingTheSun]

So theoretically they should have an absolute bonanza catching those without Car Tax, Insurance etc in the early days. Though the cynic in me thinks not.

[wanderer]

Mot due in a months time I arrive 3 weeks later should get done going to the MoT station

[Keithcaley]

Mot due in a months time I arrive 3 weeks later should get done going to the MoT station

You will pay for your MOT before travelling to the MOT station - and you can do so online (although possibly NOT from outside of TRNC).

Provided that you have actually paid for the test, one would hope that the system would recognise that fact... Live in hope!

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Does anyone know if the new speed cameras can tell who your cousins are in case they should erroneously try to prosecute?

[Soner]

Does anyone know if the new speed cameras can tell who your cousins are in case they should erroneously try to prosecute?

All Cypriots are cousins.

[waddo]

And none of them will let you out into the traffic - lol.

[Soner]

And none of them will let you out into the traffic - lol.

That's why I say: "thanks cuz thanks cuz, thanks cuz" as they pass.

[gates]

We all know who the cameras are for don’t we

[waddo]

It will be interesting just how many police cars they catch on their phones with fages in their hands!!! Guess they will have the new "Speed camera blocking system" installed on all their cars anyway.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

We all know who the cameras are for don’t we

Maybe we should wear Union Jack T shirts when driving to save them some effort

[laptawrinkly]

Just to add to the confusion: after all the uproar about human rights, privacy invasion (new cameras no different to the old ones essentially), the minister has clarified the new cameras are not recording all the time, but only when a speed violation is committed.

From this, I deduce Watson, that if you have no tax, MOT or insurance, you'll only get caught when you trigger the camera for speeding!

Ah well TIC

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Just to add to the confusion: after all the uproar about human rights, privacy invasion (new cameras no different to the old ones essentially), the minister has clarified the new cameras are not recording all the time, but only when a speed violation is committed.

From this, I deduce Watson, that if you have no tax, MOT or insurance, you'll only get caught when you trigger the camera for speeding!

Ah well TIC

So just like England then, drive like a maniac except when going through a camera?
And also take police patrols off the roads because if the camera can keep that 50 yards safe, everywhere else is bound to be safe too.

[benjaminbutton]

I had to smile after reading articles in Cyprus Today, when one gentleman explained he system had been designed by Artificial Intelligence PLUS 50% of accidents were caused by vehicles from South Cyprus, both private and rented.

[laptawrinkly]

BJB, agree LOL. Given traffic/visitors from south is down 8% year-on-year. Strange how almost all of the number plates are local ones when accidents reported in local press; must be correct as the press always quote "police report said..."

[Hair Cut]

I was told last night that they will go live on the 15th this month.

This was from a restaurateur who had one installed in his Car Park, pointing down the road.

[gates]

Wish they would put one in our road stop the kids driving up and down on them quad bikes with noisey exhaust no license plates no license no nothing. Also idiots tearing up and down .

[MnM]

post on here if you have driving tips and help keep us all alive and safe on the roads!!!!!

Nice post waddo. I've a few tips;

2 second rule - as taught by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (in the UK) - never maintain less than a two second gap between you and the vehicle in front on dry roads, 4 seconds on wet roads and 8 seconds on icy roads. It's a lot simpler to learn than varying stopping distances at varying speeds, and easy to do too - make a note of a particular part of a road like a marking / pothole / drain and when the vehicle in front passes it, say to yourself, "Only a fool breaks the two second rule", (once, twice or 4 times). If you pass that point in less than two, four or eight seconds, you're too close, back off.

Roundabouts, there's a clue in the name - they're round not straight. On a two lane roundabout with two lane approach and exit, outside lane approach, inside lane roundabout, outside lane exit. Obviously with different lanes on and off and 3 lanes to consider it does get a bit more involved but applying the principle, and as long as everyone indicates and adheres to any road markings if available, hopefully there won't be any collisions.

[waddo]

MnM, Good information! Being an IAM member of many years I can agree with the first one but remember to maintain movement with the traffic as well - often that means closing the gaps but do so with great care, hence LOOK AHEAD. The roundabout thing is difficult in particular when the UK brought in the mini roundabout system - my first attempt at navigation around the "Magic Roundabout" in Swindon with an 8 ton truck and tasker trailer was a total disaster and I can only say that I was glad that it was at 03:00 and nobody else was watching - lol. Five mini roundabouts in one go and all together was a nightmare - lol. I think that roundabouts can be safe so long as you use your mirrors more than normal and keep an eagle eye open for two wheeled suicide riders!!

[benjaminbutton]

There used to be 2 small roundabouts in the shape of a figure of 8 between Newmarket and Thetford which were dodgy to maneuver, even with a normal car. Eventually people ignored and went straight ahead. I noticed last time back in UK, it had been dug up and was now a pretty garden and a reasonable sized roundabout.. Still dodgy for 16 wheelers (?) though I would say.

[waddo]

Anyone spotted any of the new cameras yet? I think there is one either before or after - depending which direction you are going in - Uncle Sams!! Spotted it this morning on the way back from town but was in traffic so was just a quick glance?? If I can spot anymore I will make a list of them so everyone will know!!

[Soner]

Loads, everywhere. Where all old cameras are. They even have a green light at night so you can't miss them.

[benjaminbutton]

Well, people are making hay whilst the sun shines in Alsancak. Jumping the lights, talking on phones, overtaking on corners, in wrong lanes on roundabouts, breaking speed limit all over the place. list goes on and on

[tutor4u]

Don't worry they won't catch anyone, there will be a POWER CUT !!

[waddo]

Thought that was normal for Alsancak anyway - lol.

[waddo]

Any updates on the closure of traffic to the Mountain Road on the 15th of this month? Apart from the one announcement in the local news I have not seen anything else. Maybe the new traffic calming measures - sorry I meant the traffic jams - on the coast road between the Acapulco junction and the new harbor roundabout have had an effect???

[tutor4u]

Only this government would do the daftest things, closure of traffic to the Mountain Road on the 15th of this month lorries only (and they were the ones that destroyed the road surface) the main access road to Ercan from the east.
Widen the road from Acapulco junction to the new harbour, All of which is taking place simultaneously, which is showing visitors what can be achieved with the right mindset or should I say lack of consideration for us all.

[waddo]

Went over the mountain road this morning - no signs, nothing to indicate it will be closed! Maybe like the change in residency procedures for renters, first published in June 2024, the start of the mountain road work has slipped through the cracks - lol.

[benjaminbutton]

Crickey Waddo, that's one hell of a crack. Earthquake size at least.

[laptawrinkly]

Have to laugh, don't you

Arıklı: Until the end of the year, cameras will only issue fines for speeding, seat belts, insurance and phones!

Publication Date: 14/08/25 22:30 https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRI ... za-yazacak

Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı stated that the explosion at the Güneşköy Transformer Station was likely sabotage and that a technical team from Türkiye would investigate. He noted that AI-powered cameras would be operational soon and announced that by the end of the year, automatic penalties would be implemented only for speeding, seat belt use, insurance, and phone use. Only notifications would be issued for matters such as licenses and inspections.

Minister of Public Works and TransportErhan Arıklı was a guest on the "Sabah Postası" program broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV and prepared and presented by Gökhan Altıner.

"THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF SABOTAGE RELATED TO THE EXPLOSION AT THE GÜNEŞKÖY TRAFFIC CENTER; AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE CONDUCTED WITH A TECHNICAL TEAM FROM Türkiye"

Arıklı began the program by stating that there was a possibility of sabotage in the explosion at the Güneşköy Transformer Center. Arıklı stated that a technical team from Türkiye would conduct an investigation and make a definitive determination. Recalling that a similar sabotage attempt had previously been attempted at AKSA facilities and that the case was ongoing, Arıklı stated that despite the lack of concrete evidence in the Güneşköy incident, such a possibility could not be ruled out.

"CONNECTING THE CABLE FROM Türkiye TO THE TRANSMISSION NETWORK MAY LEAD TO SOME DISCUSSIONS IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW, BUT THIS PROJECT IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SOUTH."

Arıklı stated that the generators at Teknecik Power Plant have reached the end of their lifespan, noting that the protocol signed with AKSA promised cable service, but the deadline has expired. Arıklı noted that connecting the cable from Türkiye to the transmission network could spark some controversy under international law, noting that Southern Cyprus is also experiencing electricity problems and that the public is reacting to this issue. Arıklı said, "The transmission network to be improved with the cable from Türkiye is an opportunity for Southern Cyprus and the EU."

"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PRIVATE LIFE IN TRAFFIC"

Responding to criticisms of the deployment of AI-powered traffic cameras, Arıklı said, "There's no such thing as privacy in vehicles. The blackout window ban is a prime example of this." He responded to criticisms such as, "How can cameras be installed when the roads are bad?" by emphasizing that traffic safety is a separate issue from road safety.

"CAMERAS WILL BE FINES RELATED TO SPEED, SEAT BELTS, INSURANCE, AND PHONE USAGE BY THE END OF THE YEAR; OTHER FEATURES WILL BE ON OUR AGENDA IN THE NEW YEAR"

Arıklı explained that the cameras don't provide continuous monitoring, but are activated only when traffic violations are detected. He added that the information will be transferred to the POL-NET system solely for the driver in question. He noted that the 150 cameras currently in the testing phase will be operational approximately on August 16th. He explained that automatic fines for speeding, seat belt use, insurance, and phone use will be implemented by the end of the year, while notifications will only be issued for issues such as license registration and inspections.

"NEW CAMERAS WILL DETECT VIOLATIONS FROM 1 KILOMETER AWAY, AND TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL ALSO BE RENOVATED IN THIS CONTEXT"

Arıklı stated that the old cameras detected violations from a distance of 50 meters, while this distance has increased to 1 kilometer in the new system, and that traffic signs will also be renewed accordingly.

"IF YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY A FINE, IT IS ENOUGH TO FOLLOW THE RULES"

Rejecting criticism that the government is "looking after citizens' pockets" regarding traffic fines, Arıklı said, "The government doesn't issue fines for no reason. If you don't want to pay a fine, simply obey the rules." Arıklı continued, "Drivers who obey the rules won't have any problems with this system. Those who want inspections are bothered by them."

Finally, he stated in the program that better projects could be realized if the revenues from traffic were used for the Ministry rather than for salary payments.

And see my article on speeding point amnesty why these won't be a deterrent at all IMHO!

[benjaminbutton]

Distance of 1 KM, is he joking, Overhanging Trees and bushes, dips in the road, bends in the roads, endless roundabouts!! I frequently drive on the local by-pass and you think its straight but there is no way there is a view 1KM ahead, No way I'm going to test it though!!

[tutor4u]

Is the mountain road open today Sunday

[tutor4u]

open on 17th (sunday)

[snd1966]

Area from mcpalace to near pakdus now 50 km, camera @ India garden

[Hair Cut]

I would love to know the first person to let us all know they have been fined and what for ?

[techtrader]

I saw that camera at the India Garden for the first time on Saturday and literally at the very same time a local Bus was driving past me the other way and the driver was clearly on his mobile phone without a care in the world!!