The increasing number of traffic accidents in the TRNC has prompted urgent government action, with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel leading a high-level Traffic Committee meeting to discuss preventative measures and legislative changes.
The meeting brought together key officials, including representatives from the Police Force, Traffic Department, and Highways Department, to evaluate road safety concerns and explore solutions to minimize accidents and fatalities.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Üstel underlined the government’s commitment to reducing traffic accidents and preventing further loss of life.
He emphasized that serious steps would be taken, including revising existing traffic laws, increasing financial resources for law enforcement agencies, and strengthening the country’s traffic infrastructure.
The Traffic Committee, formed under the Prime Ministry and led by Undersecretary Hüseyin Cahitoğlu, will now meet weekly to monitor progress, while Üstel himself will participate in these discussions on a monthly basis.
During the meeting, the Police Force presented a report outlining the main causes of traffic accidents, citing reckless speeding by young drivers, driving under the influence of alcohol, and a general disregard for traffic rules as key factors.
Üstel acknowledged the urgent need to enhance road safety and confirmed that new legal regulations had been submitted to Parliament.
The proposed laws, which include amendments to traffic offenses, road safety regulations, and penalty point systems, will be reviewed in committee this Thursday and will remain on the legislative agenda for further discussion.
One of the key areas of reform involves increasing financial support for traffic enforcement.
Üstel noted that fines collected from fixed speed cameras currently go directly to the Ministry of Finance, but under the new legal arrangement, these funds will be allocated specifically for traffic safety initiatives.
The plan includes installing additional speed cameras at critical locations, strengthening the Police Force by directing a portion of these funds toward new equipment and resources, and improving road conditions in high-risk areas identified by the Highways Department.
The cabinet has already approved these measures, which will be fast-tracked through Parliament starting next Tuesday.
Another major focus of the government’s road safety strategy is improving street lighting, particularly at intersections and along major highways. Üstel highlighted that lighting improvements on the Girne–Lefkoşa road had already been carried out, but acknowledged that deficiencies remained in certain areas, especially at roundabouts.
To address this issue, the government will collaborate with local municipalities to ensure that all roundabouts receive proper lighting and maintenance.
A joint initiative with the Electricity Authority will be launched to accelerate this effort, with legislative arrangements set to be finalized tomorrow and swiftly passed through Parliament.
Prime Minister Üstel reaffirmed that the government’s ultimate goal is to significantly reduce traffic-related fatalities and improve road safety across the TRNC.
He expressed confidence that, with the support of law enforcement agencies and local authorities, the new measures would help create a safer and more modern traffic system for all citizens.