In a key step forward, opposition party Disy has secured the necessary parliamentary majority for a new bill aimed at extending the deadline for paying fines. The bill, which aims to ease financial pressures on citizens, was approved by the transport committee on Tuesday and is set to be debated at the House plenum on February 13th.

Currently, individuals have just 15 days to pay traffic fines before a penalty is added. Under the new legislation, this payment window would be extended to 90 days, with the grace period starting from the date the fine is issued, not from the date it is officially delivered.

The bill also proposes an increase in fines for late payments. If a fine remains unpaid after 90 days, it will rise by 50 per cent of the original amount.

Furthermore, the new legislation allows for prosecution of those who fail to pay within 105 days.

Supporters of the bill, including Disy lawmakers Fotini Tsiridou and Onoufrios Koullas, argue that the extended timeframes reflect the current economic conditions and the need for more reasonable payment plans.

They also pointed out that the current 15-day limit, which triggers a harsh fine increase, is unfair and burdensome for many, especially those who receive monthly wages or benefits.

In addition, two other bills from the Akel and Elam parties will be considered in February. These proposals suggest the installation of countdown timers at traffic lights monitored by cameras. These timers would indicate how much time is left for drivers to either continue straight or turn right before the light turns yellow and then red.

If the bill from Akel is passed, the government will have three months to implement the countdown timers at the traffic lights. However, failure to do so would suspend the penalty for not obeying traffic lights.

The ministry of transport has expressed concern about this proposal, noting that it could interfere with the functioning of smart traffic lights, which adjust traffic signals according to real-time traffic conditions. The government plans to install such systems at 75 camera-monitored intersections in Nicosia and 50 in Limassol.