Turkish Cypriot ‘Prime Minister’ Ünal Üstel defended the rollout of AI-powered speed cameras Wednesday, saying the system aims to improve road safety, not punish drivers.
In a written statement, Üstel acknowledged public concerns and said the cameras — 130 fixed and 20 mobile — were donated by Turkey under a 2023 bilateral agreement. All units are installed and operational.
Police training runs Oct. 1–2, with enforcement beginning only after public awareness efforts and signage are complete.
Initially, only speeding violations will be monitored. Data will be transmitted instantly via SIM cards, replacing manual reporting and aiding criminal investigations.
Üstel urged drivers to obey speed limits and traffic signs. “We don’t want to lose a single life,” he said. “Let’s build a safer traffic system together.”
Key Features of the New System
- Initially, only speed violations will be monitored. Other infractions — such as seatbelt use, eating or drinking while driving, and documentation checks — will be considered in later phases.
- Unlike the previous system, which relied on manual reporting, the new system transmits violation data instantly via SIM cards.
- This real-time capability will not only enhance traffic safety but also assist in identifying suspects in criminal cases more efficiently.