The House of Representatives of Cyprus has rejected the President’s referral of a law mandating the installation of countdown timers at traffic light intersections monitored by photo-enforcement systems. The law aims to enhance driver compliance with traffic signals.

The legislation, originally passed on March 13, requires responsible authorities to install countdown timers at relevant intersections. If not implemented within six months from the law's enactment, enforcement of existing penalties for running red lights would be suspended.

DISY MP Onoufrios Koullas acknowledged the system needs improvements but said Parliament acted correctly from a legislative standpoint.

AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros said the veto was expected, claiming the law had disrupted the government’s “agenda.” He implied the government’s reasoning was unconvincing and hinted at hidden motives.

AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtides argued that the veto disregards Parliament’s legislative authority and cited “smart traffic lights” as a deflection. He insisted the law reflects a real-world need.

DIPA MP and Chair of the Transport Committee Marinos Mousiouttas noted that several MPs had already expressed constitutional concerns during earlier debates and warned of potential legal issues.

Green Party MP Stavros Papadouris criticized the complexity of the traffic system, arguing Parliament’s recent moves were a call to action for the executive branch.

AKEL MP Aristos Damianou stated that countdown timers are common globally and criticized Cyprus for lagging behind, saying the debate felt outdated.

DIKO MP Christos Orphanides questioned why no party had raised constitutionality during committee discussions, noting this is not the first time Parliament has corrected regulatory gaps.

AKEL MP Kostas Kostas referenced an upcoming bill addressing fine collection, arguing that the focus appears to be on revenue rather than public interest, calling it a "tax-driven policy."

In the referral letter, the President of the Republic argued that the law cannot be implemented for multiple technical and legal reasons, including concerns about its impact on the ongoing photo-enforcement system contract.

He also stated that the law would burden the Consolidated Fund of the Republic, increase budget expenditures, and infringe on the separation of powers.

The letter added that traffic signals in Cyprus are soon to be upgraded to smart traffic lights, which adjust based on traffic volume and thus do not operate on a fixed cycle. This makes countdown timers technically incompatible with the new system.

The new system will be installed at 125 intersections in Nicosia and Limassol, with plans to expand to 500 intersections nationwide.

The President also warned that requiring countdown timers could lead to driver confusion, traffic collisions, and even penalties for violating a green light if the timers malfunction or conflict with the system.

The implementation of the law would require a significant budget, not only for technical equipment, but also for operational costs, whether through a private contractor or a government agency.

Furthermore, a dedicated feasibility study would be needed to determine the procurement process and address various logistical aspects. This would either demand additional ministry personnel time or require outsourcing to the private sector, further raising costs.