Petition re. the speed camera on the hill up to Bellapais

[iancrumpy]

Source : http://www.gundemkibris.com/bu-resmen-b ... 61825h.htm

According to the muhtar and residents of Bellapais, the speed camera, which has been there for almost a year, is merely a "trap" to collect money from Bellapais residents and visitors alike. The residents are OK with the 50 km/h limit while descending the hill, but object to slowing down when ascending the hill, claiming it puts unnecessary strain on their engines ... and I would presume increases petrol consumption.

There is a sign indicating a school, but the Bellapais residents point out that the school (which I presume to be ESK) is at least 200 metres from the road and besides, the children do not walk to the main road; the Bellapais residents claim virtually all of the pupils are taken from the school car park by service buses or their parents.

In any case, the muhtar, Ersel Tatlısu, has handed in a petition (number of signatures not given in report) into the Kaymakamlık, hoping that the Ministry of Internal Affairs will at least decide to raise the speed limit on that section of road.

[blackbird]

I was amazed at the number of speed cameras there are now in Cyprus, at least three from Lapta to Girne, and many more on the road to Famagusta. I think like the UK these cameras have little to do with road safety, they are there to make money....

[Halffull]

Blackbird, unlike the UK you will find almost all the cameras here are there to enforce speed restrictions, mostly at junctions or schools, all those on dual carriageways are placed at intersections where there is a reducted speed limit, also all speed cameras are preceded with ample warnings of their presence and the speed limit

[tanel.colak]

Yes the traffic jams have begun once again. As a parent what do you feel can be done better? Maybe a transportation service to the street near big stone villa and parents pick up from there??

Any ideas anyone?

[Tanyaahmet]

That camera is good there i think the amount of people that speed down that hill on the nights were the disco is open there thats why its there i think not actually for the school and there has been a few accident on thay road

[muffin]

I agree with the Muhtar - just a trap to collect revenue from tourists and local residents. Personally I now avoid using this road from our village where possible and use the back lanes instead. No point in contributing to the Police funds.

[Royalcorpsoftranspor]

Good grief Let It Go, it is there & there is nothing you or I can do about it.

[Becker]

Its a speeeeed camera!!! All you have to do is adhere to the limit!!!!

[sophie]

I thought this thread was a joke to start with. I know, lets start a petition to have all speed cameras removed then we can all drive like complete lunatics! Whilst we're at it, can we also remove the speed limits of 30km just before roundabouts on the by-pass, its a bit difficult to go that slow. Having driven down that road on many occasions after having been to functions at the Abbey, I would have thought anything to slow down traffic has got to be a good thing. I'm still not sure if we're supposed to take this thread seriously or not?

[belle]

Sophie, I agree, driving in the TRNC is a dangerous but necessary evil, the cameras save lives.

[Marions]

I am pretty certain that this thread was started with a SERIOUS intention, as I think some people DO feel that such a camera is unnecessary . Personally, I feel the cameras and limits along the coast road are a huge joke. slow down to 50 because there is a slight bend in the road - no buildings, just countryside, but slow down. I often get the feeling that they had some levft over signs and felt they had to put them somewhere. But equally I suspect that someone was trying to show some wisdom and try to prevent motirists behaving like lunatics . As a driver of several years who just loves to be able to put some air into the lungs of my car's engine, I find it frustrating that when there is a clear view, no seeming hazards etc, to be told to slow down to a stupid 'silly' speed.
On the Ballepais road, the same would have applied 20 years ago, but now there are buildings galore, (pluys hundreds more cars on the road)and I don't mind that limit too much. However, there are obviously others who feel about it the way I feel about the coast road (oh and many of the changes on the Famagusta road too).

BUT SURELY the real reason behind this thread is to ask anyone who feels the same as the writer to sign the petition, and if you do not feel the same then do not sign it. The camera is there, and will probably stay there. Incidentlaly I would love to know what the back roads are to get to Bellapais - i did not know there were any!

[muffin]

Hi Marion

Yes there are alternative routes to Bellapais but all are some what convelouted. Living on the far side of the village I have the choice of which route to take, so often choose to avoid the main road.

[Marions]

I guess the straight route going slowly is the best option for me. I have been round some of the back roads, but... too lazy to find out exactly where they all go. I remember that main road 25 years ago, and just accept that progress happens .

Incidentally, it owuld be good to have a comment from Ian who started the thread!