Reactions are being sparked by the new way in which the Police are attempting to serve out-of-court fines issued through the traffic camera system, as, according to complaints raised in Parliament, drivers are being checked even at the checkpoints.
The issue was raised by AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtides, who said that camera fines have begun to be served at checkpoints, ports and airports. He also reported an incident in which police officers allegedly withheld the identity cards of people who were about to travel to the occupied areas.
The Police reportedly began serving the fines around 15 days ago, using a debtor-tracing list and an opinion from the Legal Service.
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said that, based on information he received from the Police, there does not appear to be any prohibition on serving out-of-court fines in this way, as is the case with other out-of-court fines. However, he stressed that he would re-examine the matter, citing the need for equal treatment under the law between citizens who pay their fines as required and those who avoid receiving them.
According to the report, the number of undelivered out-of-court fines from traffic cameras has now reached 360,000. The Police reportedly began, around 15 days ago, serving fines at checkpoints, police stations or other control points in the areas controlled by the Republic, using a debtor-tracing list and an opinion from the Legal Service.
MPs, however, have expressed reservations, arguing that the special legislation on traffic cameras provides for service by post or by a process server, not necessarily at police checkpoints.
Source: Filekeftheros
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