Arıklı Proposes Scrapping Four Months Of Speed Camera Fines

Speaking on the Günaydın programme hosted by Gündem Kıbrıs Editor-in-Chief Çiğdem Aydın, Arıklı said the cameras were installed four months ago but that insufficient public information, missing signage and technical shortcomings had led to widespread complaints from drivers.

“I am preparing a motion for the Council of Ministers to scrap the fines issued during this four-month period,” Arıklı said. “There are areas where citizens are right. The necessary promotion was not carried out, some signs were not installed on time and in some cases the camera lights were not on. People assumed the systems were faulty. We need to put these issues behind us and start afresh.”

Arıklı added that a formal launch event would be organised to introduce the camera system, with the participation of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. He said the proposal to cancel the fines would be submitted to the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.

Addressing broader public reaction to traffic penalties, Arıklı noted that there would be no leniency regarding speeding on main roads, reckless driving, mobile phone use, drink-driving and similar serious offences. However, he said adjustments were planned for certain violations within urban areas.

Under planned amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations, some penalties will no longer be enforced on roads with a 50 km/h speed limit within cities. Arıklı explained that previously, even actions such as holding a phone, eating or drinking in vehicles on such roads could result in fines, which had drawn strong criticism. “Within city limits, some of these penalties will not apply. Enforcement will continue on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h,” he said.

Arıklı also announced the introduction of a staged payment system for traffic fines. Under the proposed system, drivers would pay 30 per cent of the fine for a first offence, 50 per cent for a second offence and the full amount for a third offence.

Turning to vehicle safety, Arıklı reiterated warnings regarding Takata airbags. He said manufacturers would be required to replace affected airbags free of charge within one year. “Citizens will not pay anything extra. If the airbag is not replaced within one year, vehicles fitted with Takata airbags will not be issued road licences,” he said.

The measure applies to Japanese vehicles manufactured before 2020. Arıklı urged vehicle owners to check online whether their cars are equipped with Takata airbags, stressing that the issue poses a serious safety risk. He noted that in many countries, vehicles fitted with Takata airbags had been recalled and repaired, adding that arrangements had been made with dealers and authorities to ensure replacements would be carried out without cost to drivers.